SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES - Nevada Legislature

Senate Committee on Health and Human Services
May 5, 2011
Page 12
SENATOR HARDY:
There is a fiscal note of $10 million with the State agencies.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN MASTROLUCA:
I believe it has been updated.
DIANE J. COMEAUX (Administrator, Division of Child and Family Services,
Department of Health and Human Services):
When this bill originally came out, we were looking at a potential population of
190 children statewide. For rural areas, we have a population of about
12 children who would have qualified. One opted to take it. There will be no
fiscal impact with the amendments.
SENATOR HARDY:
I understand Mr. Schiller to be saying there are Medicaid funds involved. Do we
not have to match them on a State basis?
MS. COMEAUX:
A number of years ago, we extended Medicaid to children until 21 years of age.
It is already in the budget.
CHAIR COPENING:
During the aging-out period of 18 years to 21 years of age, the children are
given a stipend. If they opt to stay within a foster-care system, do the foster
parents also get their regular stipend?
MR. SCHILLER:
If the child opts to stay in the foster-care setting, they pay rent to that
foster-care provider. We have the fiscal responsibility to manage the money. We
only change the vehicle by which the foster-care payment occurs through the
voluntary agreement.
CHAIR COPENING:
Section 19 sets a goal for the child to save enough money to pay for
three months of expenses. Where do they get the money to do that?
MR. SCHILLER:
The rental cost-of-care payment is separate. We set up an independent-living
plan and focus on what they can do vocationally, where they can gain income