The Providers’ Council submitted testimony to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) on 101 CMR 417.00, addressing rates for Certain Elder Care Services. Representing over 220 community-based human services organizations in Massachusetts, the Council highlighted the urgent need for equitable reimbursement rates to address workforce challenges and sustain critical services.
The Council’s testimony asks EOHHS to:
- Use the BLS 75th percentile, at a minimum, to set fair and comparable salary levels using an adequate blend of BLS job classifications. For instance, EOHHS built this rate using a benchmark salary of $24.22 an hour for Direct Care I workers.
- Discard its inadequate CAF of 2.02% and use, at a minimum, the IHS pessimistic scenario data, which would set the CAF at 3.85%.
- Include 5.1% for retirement in the tax and fringe rate, setting the overall rate at 32.48%.
- Set an administrative allocation between 15 and 18%.
These recommendations are critical to addressing workforce shortages, reducing turnover, and ensuring that elder care services remain accessible and high quality. Without proper investment, vacancies will persist, leaving residents in need of support on waiting lists.
The Providers’ Council appreciates the efforts of EOHHS and the Healey Administration to improve rates for the human services workforce and remains committed to advocating for policies that support sustainable, equitable funding.
For questions regarding this hearing, please contact Caroline O’Neill.