DHS-CAREGIVER REPAYMENT PGRAM

Creates the Caregiver Repayment Program Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and implement, by January 1, 2025, a Caregiver Repayment Program that shall provide payments to caregivers of children with severe medical needs who are ineligible for benefits under the State's Medical Assistance Program. Requires the Caregiver Repayment Program to provide payments in the most integrated and cost-effective way possible in order to utilize available funding to assist as many children and families as possible. Provides that payments under the program may not exceed $10,000 per family per year; and that eligibility for payments through the program must be determined solely based on medical necessity. Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly, beginning January 1, 2026, that includes, but is not limited to, information on: (i) the total amount of funding spent on the program, including State and federal funds; (ii) the number of children served through the program; (iii) the types of services required by children whose caregivers received funding through the program; and (iv) the income range of caregivers receiving payments through the program. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the program. Effective immediately.