Bill > S0486

This bill establishes new compensation requirements for direct care workers providing personal care services through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in South Carolina. The legislation defines direct care workers as those spending most of their time providing personal care services to Medicaid beneficiaries, and mandates a phased approach to increasing the percentage of Medicaid reimbursement that must be used for worker compensation. By January 1, 2026, HCBS provider agencies must allocate at least 70% of Medicaid reimbursements to direct care worker compensation, increasing to 75% by 2028 and 80% by 2030. Before calculating this percentage, agencies can deduct costs for worker training, travel, and personal protective equipment. Provider agencies must submit annual cost reports to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, with these reports attested under penalty of perjury and providing detailed per-worker wage information. The department is authorized to audit these reports and take enforcement actions, including contract recoupment or termination, if agencies fail to comply with the requirements, submit inaccurate reports, or do not increase worker wages as mandated. The bill aims to improve compensation and transparency for direct care workers providing essential home and community-based services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0486&session=126&summary=B