MN HF2153

Modifies payment methodology for elderly waiver and related home and community-based services effective January 1, 2020, changing the phase-in approach and establishing new base wage calculations using Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area.

Updates base wage percentages for various positions including home care aides (50-75% for home health aides, 25-50% for nursing assistants), medication setups by licensed practical nurses (25% for LPN/LVN, 75% for registered nurses), and companion services (80% personal care aides, 20% housekeeping cleaners).

Establishes fixed general and administrative factor at 14.4 percent and adjusts program plan support factors for different service types, ranging from 10-15.5 percent, with provisions for regular updates to base wage index and payroll tax/benefit factors every two years starting January 1, 2020.

Sets home-delivered meals rate at $8.17 with biennial increases effective January 1, 2020 (instead of July 1, 2018), based on nursing facility dietary per diem increases.

Requires commissioner of human services to conduct evaluation by January 1, 2021 comparing methodology base wage values and nonwage cost factors to actual service provider wages and costs, with report and recommendations to legislative committees.