Council monitors implementation of Chapter 257

The Council, with The Collaborative, continues to monitor the implementation of Chapter 257.  We have been providing testimony on all rates being issued and have worked closely with members in this regard. The current economic climate has impacted the implementation of this bill.

Language was included in the FY 2011 state budget which calls for a report by EOHHS on the status of Chapter 257 implementation. The language follows:

SECTION 170. The executive office of health and human services shall report to the  general court on the implementation of chapter 257 of the acts of 2008. The report shall include:  (i) current rates for social service programs under section 22N of chapter 7 of the General Laws;(ii) the status of implementation of the prospective rate system established in said chapter 257;  (iii) the process for establishing rates for social service programs, including inflation and  geographic cost adjustments pursuant to section 2A of chapter 118G of the General Laws; (iv) the  extent to which implementation of said chapter 257 has addressed the concerns raised in the  executive office of health and human services report dated October 2007, entitled Financial  Health of Providers in the Massachusetts Human Service System; and (v) initiatives undertaken  to promote efficiency or to reduce or control costs and the results thereof. The executive office shall submit its report to the clerks of the house and senate, the house and senate who shallforward the same to the committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care  financing and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities on or before  December 1, 2010

If you have any questions, contact Michael Ripple.