Raised Bill No. 398 - Nursing Home Funding Levels

• Removes occupancy-based rate reductions for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, eliminating the previous provision that allowed facilities with less than 70% occupancy to receive rate cuts of up to 2%.

• Removes performance-based rate reductions tied to Medicare's Nursing Home Compare ratings, eliminating penalties for facilities with one-star ratings across three consecutive reporting periods as of July 1, 2019.

• Maintains rate protections for facilities under interim rate status due to new ownership, preventing these facilities from receiving the occupancy and performance-based rate cuts.

• Preserves the Commissioner of Social Services' authority to provide pro rata fair rent increases and wage/benefit enhancement adjustments within available appropriations for subsequent fiscal years.