The House yesterday evening engrossed its FY 2026 budget recommendation totaling $61.5 billion. We are pleased to report that the House’s recommendation provides $132 million in new Medicaid nursing facility funding. The 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 Senate Committee on Ways and Means will issue its FY2026 budget recommendation in the coming days. MSCA will need the full and active participation of the entire membership as we continue to move forward in the budget process.