The Providers’ Council submitted testimony to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) on 101 CMR 421.00: Rates for Adult Housing and Community Support Services; 101 CMR 428.00: Rates for Certain Independent Living Communities and Services; and 101 CMR 431.00: Rates for Certain Respite 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 written testimony is available here. It asks EOHHS to:
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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 DC I. Also, use the updated May 2024 OEWS in subsequent rate hearings.
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Continue to use the baseline scenario data moving forward when creating the CAF.
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Include 5.1% for retirement in the tax and fringe rate, setting the overall rate at 32.48%
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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.