The passage of Senate Bill 65 would change the way rates are calculated. Providers are currently required to bid to an agency’s, i.e. DMR, pre-set contract prices. These prices are based on the agency’s budgetary considerations and bear no relationship to the cost or value of the services purchased. If Senate Bill 65 passes rates would be set by the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP). This is the same entity that already sets rates for Medicaid funded services provided by many of the same providers. Within this system there is a standard of rate adequacy and a clear appeal process.
If there were adequate rates that were predictable and adjusted for inflation annually services could improve. Currently providers are struggling every year to see where they can cut. Many providers can’t assure their staff that their salaries will adjust for inflation or cost of living increases.
Some of the staff that work at the Provider where I work qualify for food stamps and subsided housing. Last week it was brought to my attention that one of our DD clients was making more as a cashier at BJ’s than the staff supporting him were making.
There will be a Public Hearing Novemner 28 at 10:30.
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