Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Impact
The implications of S0427 are significant for state laws concerning healthcare for children. By enhancing Medicaid reimbursement rates, the bill seeks to rectify the existing disparity in payment rates compared to neighboring states, which has historically hindered Rhode Island's ability to attract and maintain pediatric specialists. This legislative action is crucial, especially given the alarming statistics indicating that a substantial number of pediatricians in the state plan to retire in the next few years, potentially leading to a serious decline in available pediatric care.
Summary
S0427 aims to address the critical shortage of pediatric healthcare access in Rhode Island by mandating the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to amend the state Medicaid plan. The bill proposes to secure state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates for outpatient clinical services provided to children under the age of nineteen. Specifically, these rates are to be raised to 130% of the current Medicare rates, which advocates believe will help alleviate the financial burdens that pediatric providers face and improve recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in the state.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention surrounding S0427 include the potential challenges in securing sufficient funding to meet the proposed Medicaid rate increases. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of such financial allocations, especially in light of other competing budgetary needs. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the priorities of Medicaid funding—whether increasing rates for pediatric services should take precedence over other healthcare or social services. As such, ongoing conversations within the legislature will be essential to navigate these challenges effectively.
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.
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.
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.)
Makes the Medicaid rate increase permanent for the first connections family home-visiting program and requires additional information to be added to the annual family home-visiting report.
Makes the Medicaid rate increase permanent for the first connections family home-visiting program and requires additional information to be added to the annual family home-visiting report.
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.