Relative to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain assisted living facilities.
Impact
The expected fiscal impact of HB 527 is significant, with estimates suggesting an increase in annual Medicaid expenditures by approximately $10.6 million. This would be funded equally by state general funds and federal matching funds. Currently, reimbursement rates for assisted living facilities vary, ranging from $56.88 to $95.41 based on patient acuity, highlighting the disparity that the bill seeks to address. The implementation of this bill not only raises the reimbursement rate but may also necessitate a broader adjustment across all assisted living facilities to avoid disparities within the same class of service providers.
Summary
House Bill 527 aims to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for small assisted living facilities in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill proposes a daily rate of $115 for facilities with fewer than 16 beds that maintain a Medicaid bed occupancy rate of 50% or higher. This adjustment is intended to provide financial support to smaller facilities that often serve vulnerable populations, ensuring they can continue to meet the needs of their residents. Alongside the rate change, the bill includes a provision that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to incorporate these costs into their biennial budget requests for the upcoming two-year fiscal period ending June 30, 2025.
Contention
The bill is poised to make a substantial change in how Medicaid funds are allocated within the assisted living sector, which may lead to discussions surrounding the funding sources and budgetary impacts. There are potential concerns regarding whether the general fund appropriations will fully cover the anticipated costs associated with this rate increase. Additionally, stakeholders from various segments of the healthcare industry may debate the fairness of increased funding directed primarily toward smaller facilities, which could lead to changes in funding dynamics across the board. Stakeholders will be observing closely how this bill will influence the future of Medicaid reimbursement policies and their implementation.
Establishes an assisted living program reimbursement program to provide enhanced Medicaid reimbursement to qualifying assisted living programs; requires at least 70% of such assisted living facility's staff to voluntarily self-identify as Black, Hispanic, or Asian; increases the capitated rates of payment from 31% to 50% over a period of five years.
Establishes an assisted living program reimbursement program to provide enhanced Medicaid reimbursement to qualifying assisted living programs; requires at least 70% of such assisted living facility's staff to voluntarily self-identify as Black, Hispanic, or Asian; increases the capitated rates of payment from 31% to 50% over a period of five years.
Raises the per diem rate by thirteen percent (13%) for Medicaid reimbursement for Tier C services provide by assisted living residence beginning January 1, 2027.
Raises the per diem rate by thirteen percent (13%) for Medicaid reimbursement for Tier C services provide by assisted living residence beginning January 1, 2026.
An Act Concerning A Five-year Medicaid Rate Review, Dental Representation On A Medical Assistance Oversight Council, Biomarker Testing And Opioid Prescription Coverage Requirements And A Study Concerning Payment Of Spouses For State-subsidized Home Care.