The House Ways and Means (HWM) Committee yesterday released its FY 2026 budget recommendation totaling $61.4 billion. We are pleased to report that the Committee’s recommendation provides $132 million in new Medicaid nursing facility funding. The Committee’s recommendation builds on Governor Healey’s request by adding an additional $30 million to the Governor’s request. The House budget also includes a provision to increase the nursing facility user fee to the maximum amount under federal law, which would result in an overall $22 million (or $2/day) increase in user fee payments.
Mass Senior Care extends its strong appreciation to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz and the entire House of Representatives for continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of nursing facility residents and their caregivers. The Committee’s FY 2026 budget recommendation will be debated by the full House of Representatives during the week of April 28th.