Allows executive office of EOHHS to review current methodology for Medical payments to nursing facilities.
Impact
The bill seeks to enhance the compensation for direct-care workers through stipulations that a percentage of any rate increase will be directed towards improving wages and benefits for eligible staff. Specifically, it emphasizes that during certain years, up to eighty percent of increases stemming from an inflation adjustment will be utilized for this purpose. This is a crucial provision as it directly impacts the quality of care residents receive in nursing facilities, by potentially increasing staff satisfaction and reducing turnover.
Summary
Bill S0466, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, proposes a significant amendment to the existing framework of Medicaid reimbursement for nursing facilities. The legislation aims to transition from the current price-based methodology back to a cost-based approach, ensuring that reimbursement rates for services rendered to Medicaid-eligible residents are both reasonable and adequate. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is tasked with reviewing and modifying these reimbursement principles, which are rooted in ensuring that nursing facilities can operate efficiently while providing care for residents in compliance with federal laws.
Contention
Points of contention surrounding S0466 may arise from stakeholders with differing views on the financial implications of shifting back to a cost-based reimbursement methodology. Proponents argue that this will better support nursing facilities financially, allowing for improved care and enhanced employee wages. Conversely, critics may highlight concerns about the potential impact on state budgets and the sustainability of funding for Medicaid services, particularly in light of increasing healthcare costs. There may also be worries on whether such changes can be applied uniformly and whether all nursing facilities will benefit equally from the new structure.
All Medicaid programs operated by EOHHS would not reimburse home care providers less than fee-for-service rates adopted by rate review recommendations of the office of health insurance commissioners.
Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.
Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.
Directs the executive office of health and human services to increase Medicaid rates for the Early Intervention and First Connections programs allowing for payment of competitive wages for qualified professionals.
Directs the executive office of health and human services to increase Medicaid rates for the Early Intervention and First Connections programs allowing for payment of competitive wages for qualified professionals.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.