Improving access to post acute services
The bill also amends existing laws related to Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-acute care hospitals. It sets the base year costs for rate determination to not more than two years prior to the current year, which is expected to streamline funding for these facilities. Furthermore, the bill proposes to repeal certain sections of the Acts of 2024 that may introduce inefficiencies, thereby intending to simplify and improve coordination between acute and non-acute care hospitals.
House Bill 1412 aims to improve access to post-acute services in Massachusetts by implementing various strategies to enhance community discharge for MassHealth patients. The bill mandates the Office of Medicaid to consult with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and non-acute care hospitals to facilitate discharges from post-acute care hospitals, allowing for better resource allocation and patient movement. Key provisions include revising beneficiary notices, improving determination processes for services, and expanding community resources aimed at aiding independent living for patients with complex medical conditions.
Notably, the establishment of a complex care ombudsman program aims to ensure that hospitals receive adequate support for discharges to various post-acute settings, thus highlighting the focus on integrated healthcare services. The bill does introduce administrative changes requiring all payers to refrain from requiring prior authorizations for transitions to home health services, a measure that could expedite care. However, such shifts in policy also raise concerns about the potential strain on community resources if not adequately addressed, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement.