Requests the La. Dept. of Health to submit documentation to the federal Medicaid agency to provide financial relief for providers of services for people with developmental disabilities (Item #28)
Impact
The passage of HCR21 could provide critical financial support for adult day centers, home- and community-based services, and intermediate care facilities. This resolution aims to facilitate the submission for temporary rate increases and to ensure that service providers can bill Medicaid for services even when they are unable to provide them in person due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. The emphasis on financial relief is particularly significant as many of these providers are at risk of permanent closure without adequate funding, thus protecting the availability of services for vulnerable populations.
Summary
HCR21 is a concurrent resolution that urges the Louisiana Department of Health to submit documentation to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for financial relief to service providers catering to individuals with developmental disabilities. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these services including adult day centers have faced significant financial challenges due to closures. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these services to the well-being of individuals with disabilities and calls for immediate action to secure retainer payments that will help sustain these essential services during the pandemic.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR21 appears to be generally supportive, recognizing the challenging circumstances faced by service providers due to the pandemic. Legislators expressed understanding of the critical need for financial assistance in the face of unprecedented public health challenges. The resolution reflects a proactive approach by the legislature to seek solutions and support for individuals with developmental disabilities during a time of crisis.
Contention
While there does not appear to be significant opposition to HCR21, the underlying issues surrounding funding for services and the sustainability of provider operations indicate ongoing debates about the adequacy of Medicaid reimbursement rates and the resources allocated to developmental disability services. The resolution acts as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system and how external factors, such as the COVID-19 crisis, can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities in service provision.
Requests the La. Department of Health to study and report on the costs of providing nursing services in certain Medicaid-funded programs and facilities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to establish a four-bed peer group for intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.
Requests a study and recommendations concerning barriers to hiring of direct support professionals who provide Medicaid-covered services to people with disabilities
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to develop a professional consulting nursing service code for reimbursement of certain services for individuals with developmental disabilities
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to coordinate with stakeholders to develop a healthcare plan for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Requests a study concerning the potential use of monitoring devices in the rooms of residents of intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities
Urges and requests the La. Department of Health to adjust the state Medicaid budget to allocate funding more equitably throughout the disability services system