MA S870

Rates for home health and continuous skilled nursing agencies must be established and reviewed at least every two years, using cost data from no more than 4 years prior to the current rate year

Rate calculations must include allowances for reasonable administrative expenses and profit, considering costs of similar services in other settings, national/regional cost indices, and efficient service delivery models

State minimum wage changes and employer payroll tax obligation changes must be treated as governmental mandates affecting costs when setting rates for homemaker and personal care services for elderly clients

Secretary must report to House and Senate ways and means committees comparing adopted rates to the federal "Home Health Agency Market Basket" index, and simulate alternative rates if that index was not used

Secretary must consult with impacted stakeholders when determining rate-setting methodology for both home health agencies and homemaker/personal care services