The Providers’ Council submitted testimony to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) on 101 CMR 423.00 and 101 CMR 426.00, addressing rates for In-Home Basic Living Supports and Adult Community Mental Health Services. Representing over 220 community-based human services organizations in Massachusetts, the Council stressed the urgent need for fair reimbursement rates to tackle workforce shortages and ensure essential care for residents.
Key Recommendations:
- Maintain Bureau of Labor Statistics Benchmarks at the 75th Percentile: Encouraging EOHHS to set salary benchmarks at no less than the 75th percentile to provide competitive wages, curb staff turnover, and ensure pay parity with state employees in similar roles.
- Increase the Cost Adjustment Factor (CAF): Proposing an increase from the inadequate 2.58% to at least 4.26%, using the IHS Markit pessimistic scenario, to better match rising costs and economic conditions.
- Enhance Tax, Fringe, and Administrative Allocations: Suggesting a total tax and fringe rate of 32.48%, including a 5.1% retirement benefit, and raising the administrative allocation from 12% to a more realistic 15-18%.
The testimony highlighted the equity impact, noting that the human services workforce comprises 80% women and 36% people of color. Fair funding is vital for equitable compensation, stronger recruitment and retention, and uninterrupted services for Massachusetts residents.
For questions regarding these hearings, please contact Caroline O’Neill.