Identical to H 580, filed 4/5/23.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to create a new Medicaid in-lieu-of-service, Community Activities and Employment Transitions (CAET) program for adults with intellectual disabilities. Establishes guidelines for DHB to follow when developing the CAET program. Requires DHB to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop the CAET program. Authorizes DHB to submit any Sate Plan amendments or waivers, or request other approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and specifies that coverage of the new service may not begin earlier than January 1, 2024.

Requires DHB to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice providing specified information on the development of the CAET program and legislative changes necessary for implementation.

Appropriates $4.5 million in recurring funds for 2023-24 and $9 million in recurring funds for 2024-25 to DHB from the General Fund for implementation of the CAET services. These funds are a match for federal recurring funds of $8.7 million for 2023-24, and $17.4 million for 2024-25, and those federal funds are also appropriated to DHB for the same purpose. The appropriations are effective July 1, 2023.