The bill amends Section 40-8-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-8, which pertains to "Medical Assistance," specifically focusing on the rates of payment to nursing facilities. It mandates that the rates paid by the state for services rendered to Medicaid-eligible residents must be reasonable and adequate, aligning with federal standards. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with reviewing and potentially modifying the current Medicaid payment methodology.

Notably, the bill introduces a new requirement for the executive office to revise rates based on increases in direct and indirect costs beginning in October 2027, utilizing data from the most recent finalized year of a facility's cost report. The per diem rate components referred to in subsections (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall be adjusted accordingly to reflect changes in direct and indirect care costs since the previous rate review.

The act takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2880: 40-8-19