Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-413

EHS 413

Public Guardianship Study

Ms. Lovely, Mr. Brady, Ms. Moran, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-

"SECTION XXXX. (a) The Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance (“The Division”) shall conduct a study on the need for qualified professional guardians to give informed medical consent for unbefriended, indigent persons, which is a significant barrier to hospital discharge and access to long-term care and preventive care. The study shall include the following: 1) review the unmet need for qualified professional guardians to assist unbefriended, indigent persons with accessing appropriate medical care, including hospital discharge and preventive care; 2) produce data on the current number of Rogers and Rudow guardians, the costs to the state of reimbursing these types of guardians, and the number of MassHealth long-term care beneficiaries whose only income is from SSI; 3) analyze the estimated costs and benefits of establishing guardians as MassHealth fee for service providers; 4) make recommendations to improve the policies and procedures related to recognizing and paying guardians.

(b) The Division shall consult with the Probate and Family Court as needed to carry out the mandate of this section.

(c) Not later than July 31, 2025, the Division shall submit its report, including any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the joint committee on elder affairs.”.