The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) earlier this week issued the Rate Year 2025 (RY25) Medicaid Nursing Facility rate regulation. The regulation implements the $40 million contained in the FY2025 state appropriation act with investments that will provide a 2% average increase over current rates. EOHHS will also continue to issue payments for resident specific add-ons that promote access to specialty services, including behavioral, SUD, respite care and transitions from hospitals, which can be billed via MassHealth’s previously issued comprehensive billing guidance. EOHHS has scheduled a public hearing on Friday, November 1, where Mass Senior Care will be testifying.
Mass Senior Care will continue its advocacy to ensure that facilities have adequate resources to provide quality care. While a 2% increase is a start, it is well below the projected increases in workforce spending and inflationary cost increases for goods, services, utilities and other necessary expenses. We will need the full and active participation of our entire membership in our grassroots efforts, as we advocate for additional funding in the final FY 24 supplemental budget, which is expected to be debated in the Fall.