Bill > S2376

This bill aims to establish adequate funding for residents of Massachusetts nursing homes. The key provisions are: 1. The bill amends the General Laws to set nursing home and rest home rates annually as of October 1, using reported costs from the calendar year not more than 2 years prior and incorporating any audit findings. 2. The occupancy standard for nursing homes will be set at the statewide average from the base year. 3. The rates set for each provider, whether funded directly or indirectly by MassHealth or a Medicaid replacement plan, must be sufficient to pay 100% of the allowable cost of caring for patients who are beneficiaries of the chapter and 100% of additional allowable costs. 4. Fees and assessments, such as the nursing facility user fees and any additional costs incurred by the provider, will be added to the rate for the provider. 5. The bill requires the Executive Office to comply with specific methods and standards in establishing rates of payment to providers, and the regulation in effect as of January 25, 2019 (101 CMR 206.00) shall not be changed or superseded after that date. 6. The bill states that this paragraph can only be amended by a 2/3 vote taken by a call of the yeas and nays of each branch of the general court.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2376