Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2648

Introduced
3/10/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $17,700,000 For The Purposes Of Increasing Home Care Provider Reimbursement Rates To Be Used For Wage Pass Through To Direct Care Staff And For Increases In Payments To Direct Care Workers Hired By Consumers Through Self-directed Care Programs (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $17,700,000 In Order To Increase Home Care Provider Reimbursement Rates, And For Increases In Payments To Direct Care Workers.)

Impact

The resolution aims to address significant shortcomings in the state's home care sector, particularly in light of a critical shortage of direct care workers. By increasing reimbursement rates, the bill seeks to alleviate the waiting times for Medicaid home and community services, where many individuals currently face delays of over three months. This change is crucial for ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities receive the timely care they need while promoting workforce retention in the caregiving sector.

Summary

S2648 is a joint resolution that proposes an appropriation of $17,700,000 for the purpose of increasing reimbursement rates for home care providers in Rhode Island. This financial support is intended to facilitate wage pass-through to direct care staff and enhance payments for direct care workers hired by consumers through self-directed care programs. The bill underscores the importance of fair compensation for caregivers, reflecting a growing recognition of their essential role in the long-term care system.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding S2648 involves the potential implication of deferring the appropriation cited in the 2022 fiscal budget proposed by Governor Dan McKee. Critics argue that not utilizing the $17.7 million intended for home and community-based services contradicts the legislative intent behind the Perry-Sullivan law. This law supports enhanced community-based care alternatives and aims to prevent further exacerbation of the existing home care worker crisis if funding is not effectively mobilized as intended.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5790

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $90,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASES IN THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAID PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.)

RI S0873

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $90,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASES IN THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAID PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.)

RI HB2603

Reimbursement; direct care workers

RI SB56

Home care; directing Oklahoma Health Care Authority to establish certain family caregiver reimbursement program. Effective date. Emergency.

RI SB500

Relating to making supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction, including direction regarding reimbursement, and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

RI SJR54

A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Department for Medicaid Services to study and examine Medicaid reimbursements.

RI HR421

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on maternal-health-related medical assistance payments to hospitals and health care providers and make recommendations to increase payment rates to hospitals and health care providers, including fee-for-service and managed care payment rates.

RI SF2640

Community first services and supports reimbursement rates modifications provision, certain consumer-directed community supports budgets increase provision, Minnesota Caregiver Defined Contribution Retirement Fund Trust establishment provision, and appropriation

RI H7597

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO THE HOSPITAL CARE TRANSITIONS INITIATIVE (HCTI) (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 to the Hospital Care Transitions Initiative.)

RI S2577

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO THE HOSPITAL CARE TRANSITIONS INITIATIVE (HCTI) (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 to the Hospital Care Transitions Initiative.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.