This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to establish annual unit rates for Medicaid state plan case management services, aiming to achieve rate parity within the program. The new section, RSA 126-A:18-c, outlines that these rates should reflect the average cost of delivering services and considers factors such as economy, efficiency, quality of care, and access to care, in line with federal guidelines. Additionally, the department is required to address disparities in rates by taking into account administrative payments and overhead costs that may affect certain providers.

The bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions but is projected to increase annual expenditures by approximately $4.6 to $12.8 million, with $2.6 to $6.5 million coming from general funds. To implement the auditing and rate-setting process, the Department anticipates needing additional staff, including a financial specialist and a budget analyst, with estimated costs for these positions outlined for the upcoming fiscal years. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.