The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, chaired by Representative Ruth Balser (D-Newton) and Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), recently gave a favorable report to House Bill 619, “An Act Relative to Promoting Innovation in Eldercare Services,” filed by House Majority Leader Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy). Mass Senior Care supports a zero-interest loan program for providers seeking to convert skilled nursing facilities to other important housing and long term care services and supports. A significant barrier for such projects is the lack of available financing.
House Bill 619 would establish, within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, a zero-interest loan trust fund for the purpose of converting entire or portions of a skilled nursing facility into community housing for underserved elders. This bill would complement the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s repeal of 105 CMR 153.030, which had previously restricted nursing facilities from offering additional services or housing within the facility. This legislation now moves to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for further consideration.