NC S566

Appropriates $36.7 million in state funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 and $72.5 million for fiscal year 2024-2025 to increase North Carolina Innovations Waiver slots, with matching federal funds of $99.3 million and $191.9 million respectively.

Increases waiver slots by 2,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 (available October 1, 2023) and by 2,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 (available July 1, 2024).

Distributes waiver slots on a first-come, first-served basis determined by length of time on the waiting list, using the current allocation formula among Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs).

Requires LME/MCOs that accept rejected waiver slots to attest that direct care employees are paid a minimum wage of $18.00 per hour and that the organization has capacity to provide services within its catchment area.

Becomes effective July 1, 2023.