LR145 LR145
2021 2021
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 145
Introduced by Stinner, 48.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to study the adequacy of current aged and disabled medicaid waiver assisted-living provider rates. Providers of
assisted-living services serve an important function in meeting the home and community-based care needs of some of the most vulnerable Nebraskans due to age or disability. To continue providing access, the payment rates for these services must be sufficient to cover the cost of the care and services required by the participants in the aged and disabled medicaid waiver program.
The Department of Health and Human Services established the initial medicaid waiver assisted-living provider rates thirty years ago based on an informal process. No formal rate study has ever been performed and the only rate changes implemented have been the annual provider rate changes approved by
the Legislature. It is critical for the Legislature, as well as the providers and consumers, to understand if there are medicaid beneficiaries who do not have access to services and whether it is a result of current provider payment rates. Reports of medicaid waiver program participants having difficulty accessing assisted-living services and specifically living memory care,
especially in certain areas of the state, may indicate a concern with provider rate adequacy.
This study shall seek data currently gathered by the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care of the Department of Health and Human Services to examine the adequacy of current aged and disabled medicaid waiver assisted-living provider rates and any needed changes, including whether a formal rate study is
needed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
-1-
LR145 LR145
2021 2021
1. That the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature shall be
designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council or Legislature.
-2-