NC H440

Increases Medicaid rates for direct care workers in the North Carolina Innovations waiver program by $6.50 per hour above the state industry average wage rate through a directed payment mechanism.

Requires providers to attest that at least 75% of the rate increase funding is used to increase direct care worker wages, with DHB setting documentation standards and LME/MCOs verifying compliance through payroll-based accounting methods.

Authorizes DHB to recoup funds from providers who fail to use at least 75% of the rate increase for direct care worker wage increases.

Directs DHB to amend the Medicaid State Plan beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026 to annually adjust rates for Innovations waiver and ICF/IID group home services based on medical and wage inflation impacts.

Appropriates $90,000,000 in recurring General Fund monies annually for the 2023-2025 biennium to provide state match for $174,000,000 in federal Medicaid funds, effective July 1, 2023.