Important bills still being debated as of 3/30 include:

• P-4-P - a proposal to delay the nursing home pay-for-performance program.  LifeSpan recommended a three-year phase-in of the program. 

• LTC Reform - The General Assembly continues to discuss long-term care reform.  HB113 requires the interagency committee to develop a plan using consensus recommendation for reforming the delivery system.  On the Senate side, a very different proposal for reform is set out in SB761, which requires the Department to file an application with CMS to require the dual-eligible to enroll in managed care plans.  LifeSpan has drafted amendments with advocacy groups to address issues raised by both proponents and opponents (opponents being those that want to see a managed care program implemented in Maryland).  In general, the amendments require a study by DHMH on all available delivery systems that could be used in Maryland to reform the system with a report back by January 1, 2010.  The study needs to involve stakeholder subcommittees that review past actions in Maryland and actions in other states, especially those that have greater utilization of home-and-community based services. 

• CCRC Oversight - LifeSpan testified last week on its CCRC bill to transfer functions from the Department of Aging to the Maryland Insurance Administration as well as testifying on the Medicaid budget in the Senate.