HF179 Summary

• Modifies the disability waiver rate system for home and community-based services by ending the rate stabilization banding period effective January 1, 2020 and transitioning to regular framework rates with periodic updates.

• Establishes a competitive workforce factor (8.35% effective July 1, 2019) applied to base wage index to address direct care staff wage gaps, with updates every two years thereafter.

• Updates base wage index and component values every two years (changed from every five years) based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Consumer Price Index changes.

• Adds labor market data reporting requirements for providers beginning November 1, 2019, and requires the commissioner to publish annual reports on direct care staff wages, vacancies, retention rates, and hours starting February 1, 2020.

• Repeals rate stabilization adjustment provisions (sections 256B.4913, subdivisions 4a, 6, and 7) effective January 1, 2020, while maintaining exception processes for individuals with exceptional service needs.