Bill > H737

This bill aims to clarify the rate-setting processes for home health and home care services in Massachusetts. It amends the state's Medicaid law to require that rates for home health agencies be established at least biennially, using the reported costs from the calendar year not more than 4 years prior, adjusted for reasonableness and any new regulatory costs. The bill also requires the Executive Office to consider various factors when setting these rates, such as costs in other care settings, national or regional indices, and the need to encourage cost-efficient service delivery. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to provide a report to the legislature comparing the adopted rates to the "Home Health Agency Market Basket" index published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For homemaker and personal care homemaker services, the bill directs the Executive Office to consider changes in the state minimum wage and employer payroll tax obligations, as well as rates and wages in both public and private settings, when establishing payment rates. The Secretary of Elder Affairs must also issue a report on the analysis used to determine these rates.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H737