Las Vegas seeks Medicaid waiver for medical respite care expansion

The Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss critical advancements in medical respite care for homeless individuals. A key highlight was the introduction of Senate Bill 54, aimed at establishing guidelines for medical respite care under the state Medicaid program. This initiative is expected to alleviate the financial burden on the city’s general funds while enhancing care for vulnerable populations.

The meeting featured presentations from city officials, including Director of Neighborhood Services Arcilia Barajas, who detailed the success of the Recuperative Care Center (RCC) established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RCC has effectively discharged over half of its population into supportive housing, demonstrating the program's value in facilitating recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness. The city has secured various funding sources, including $750,000 from continuum of care funding, to maintain and expand these essential services.

Senate Bill 54 is designed to define medical respite care and mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver to implement these services statewide. The bill also seeks to establish reimbursement rates for providers, which is crucial for sustaining operations. While the bill will not cover all operational costs, it is a significant step toward leveraging additional funding and reducing strain on local budgets.

Committee members expressed support for the bill, with discussions highlighting the need for similar services across Nevada. Senator Titus raised concerns about the bill's focus on a single location in Las Vegas, prompting officials to clarify that while the RCC is currently the only dedicated facility, the goal is to expand services statewide.

The committee also discussed the timeline for implementing the bill, with suggestions to delay the start date to allow for the necessary federal processes, which could help lower initial costs. The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore successful models from other states, emphasizing the importance of replicating effective strategies to enhance care for homeless individuals in Nevada.

As the city prepares for the construction of a new RCC, set to begin in July 2025, the implications of Senate Bill 54 could significantly reshape the landscape of medical respite care in the state, ultimately improving health outcomes for some of Nevada's most vulnerable residents.