The Providers’ Council submitted testimony to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) on 101 CMR 349.00 and 101 CMR 422.00, addressing rates for Early Intervention Program Services and General Programs – Disability Services. Representing over 220 community-based human services organizations in Massachusetts, the Council emphasized the urgent need for fair reimbursement rates to support workforce stability and ensure access to essential services.
Key Recommendations:
- Maintain Bureau of Labor Statistics Benchmarks at the 75th Percentile: Urging EOHHS to set salary benchmarks at no less than the 75th percentile to ensure competitive wages, reduce staff turnover, and align with state employee pay for similar roles.
- Increase the Cost Adjustment Factor (CAF): Recommending an increase from the proposed 2.71% to at least 3.4%, reflecting the latest Consumer Price Index and Social Security Administration cost-of-living adjustment to better account for rising operational costs.
- Enhance Tax, Fringe, and Administrative Allocations: Acknowledging the increase in tax and fringe rates to 27.38% but advocating for an administrative allocation of 15-18% instead of the current 12%, to more accurately reflect providers’ financial realities.
The testimony highlighted the workforce equity implications, noting that the human services sector is 80% women and 36% people of color. Adequate funding is essential for fair compensation, workforce retention, and ensuring uninterrupted services for Massachusetts residents.
For questions regarding these hearings, please contact Caroline O’Neill.