A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to increase the number of assignments to the special assistance in‑home program In the department of health and human services and to Authorize a Study of the Program.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Funds appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2007‑2008 fiscal year and the 2008‑2009 fiscal year may be used to increase the maximum number of assignments to the Special Assistance In‑Home Program to 2,000 persons.
SECTION 2.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study to examine possible barriers to expansion and participation in the Special Assistance In‑Home Program.  The Department shall study implementation, both individually and collectively, and shall develop a cost estimate and participation level estimate for each of the following:
(1)	The impact of having the State pay one‑third of the current county share for the cost of case management in an effort to encourage increased county participation. 
(2)	The impact of removing the cap on the number of Special Assistance In‑Home slots.
(3)	The impact of changing the income level for the Special Assistance In‑Home Program from one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level to the maximum monthly rate for residents in adult care homes.
The participation level estimate shall include individuals that might meet eligibility requirements regardless of current residence. The Department shall present its findings and recommendations on the study authorized in this section to the Study Commission on Aging on or before November 1, 2007.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.