VT H0013

Secretary of Human Services must calculate Medicaid payment rates for community-based service providers that are "reasonable and adequate," accounting for costs of government mandates, inflation, and labor market dynamics

Payment rate methodology must include studies of Medicaid reimbursement rates for each service type at least once every five years, predictable timelines for base rate redetermination, and annual inflationary adjustments

Community-based services defined to include long-term supports for older adults and adults with disabilities, home health and hospice services, and services for individuals with mental conditions, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, or brain injuries

Secretary must establish a process for providers at imminent risk of closure to request stabilization assistance from the Agency of Human Services

Agency of Human Services must report to legislative committees by January 15, 2026 on implementation progress, including proposed schedule for rate studies and payment methodology