Home-Based Care Providers Break Down ‘Unintended Consequences’ Of CMS’ Proposed Medicaid Rule

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced a proposed rule that seeks to allocate 80% of Medicaid reimbursement funds towards compensating workers in the home- and community-based services (HCBS) sector. This initiative received substantial attention during the public comment phase, with a total of 2,100 submissions. The CMS is being widely appreciated for its efforts to bolster the HCBS workforce, recognizing the crucial role these workers play in supporting individuals in need. However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential impact of this rule on HCBS providers across the nation. One major challenge is the existing disparities in state program requirements and reimbursement rates. Darby Anderson, the Executive Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer for Addus HomeCare Corporation, has highlighted these disparities, emphasizing the difficulty of implementing uniform compensation thresholds that can address the unique needs and circumstances of each state's HCBS programs.