HHS Special Session Bill Extends Leave Days for Housing Support Program (GRH)

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

An extension to Housing Support payments for days absent was included in legislation passed during the legislative session.

The change requires that an agency must continue to pay an additional 74 days per incident, not to exceed a total of 92 days in a calendar year, for a person who is temporarily absent due to admission at a residential behavioral health facility, inpatient hospital, or nursing facility.

This adds to the previous allowance that when a person receiving housing support is temporarily absent, and the absence is reported in advance to the agency's social service staff, the agency must continue to pay the applicable rate for housing support on behalf of the person. Advance reporting is not required for absences due to crisis, illness, or injury. The limit on payments for absence days under this paragraph is 18 calendar days per incident, not to exceed 60 days in a calendar year.

Additionally, if a person is temporarily absent due to admission at a residential behavioral health facility, inpatient hospital, or nursing facility for a period of time exceeding the limits described, the agency may request an absence day limit exception to continue housing support payments until the person is discharged.

This change was effective July 1. It is a positive change for providers who often extend holds for residents without reimbursement when a return is anticipated.