Rhode Island Senate Bill S2749

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/8/24

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE MEDICAID SECTION 1115 DEMONSTRATION WAIVER REQUESTS AND RENEWALS (Approves an amendment to a Medicaid section 1115 demonstration waiver to mandate that the EOHHS propose a 13% raise to provider reimbursement rates for immediate care facilities, including certified community behavioral health centers.)

Impact

The proposed legislation is designed to enhance the financial support provided to immediate care facilities by mandating a 13% increase in provider reimbursement rates. This adjustment is intended to ensure that these facilities can continue to deliver quality services to vulnerable populations, reflecting a commitment to improving the state's healthcare system, especially in terms of mental health and support for people with disabilities. By directing this increase towards managed care organizations and fee-for-service Medicaid, the bill seeks to bolster the sustainability of care provision.

Summary

Bill S2749, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to amend the state's Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver requests and renewals. The primary objective of this bill is to approve a significant increase in reimbursement rates for providers operating immediate care facilities. This encompasses residential facilities dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and certified community behavioral health centers.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes the necessity of better funding for immediate care facilities, it may also encounter scrutiny regarding the financial implications on the state budget and the equitable distribution of Medicaid resources. Opponents may raise concerns about how this increase could affect overall healthcare spending and whether it distracts from addressing other healthcare needs within the community. Moreover, the requirement for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to propose these changes is contingent on a careful assessment of existing resources and needs, which might generate discussions about priorities within the state’s Medicaid framework.