Gov. Hogan Announces $20.2 Million for Rate Increases for Long-Term Service, Supports Providers

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, May 22 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release:

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the administration will provide a three percent increase to the Maryland Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) provider rates. The increase will benefit nursing home and home and community-based providers who deliver services to individuals enrolled in Maryland Medicaid.

"This rate increase ensures continued access to care and services for many of our most vulnerable Marylanders who need specific care," said Governor Hogan. "Our administration greatly values the hard work these care providers do each and every day, and we are fully committed to supporting them as comprehensively as possible."

LTSS are provided in home and in community-based settings, as well as in institutions including nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Home and community-based services vary by program and can include personal assistance, nursing, nurse monitoring, medical day care, case management, transportation, medical supplies and medical equipment, among other services.

"The preservation of network adequacy for Long-Term Services and Supports is integral to the level of care individuals receive," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall. "This rate increase will allow providers to meet the needs of this specific population in the setting that best fits the individual's needs, whether that be at an institution or in their own home."

For the more than 42,000 individuals receiving LTSS, Maryland Medicaid is dedicated to providing choice and autonomy in the provision of care. Maryland Medicaid has adopted a person-centered planning approach to LTSS administration, which is designed to promote not only optimal health outcomes, but also greater independence and better quality of life for participants. Medicaid is increasingly moving away from institutional-based care toward home and community-based services.

The Affordable Care Act established the Community First Choice program option to make it easier for Medicaid participants who require institutional-levels of care to receive services in home and community-based settings. Maryland was one of the first states to implement Community First Choice. Under Community First Choice, Maryland is more efficiently managing personal assistance services, enhancing the means to provide services where participants feel more comfortable.

The Hogan administration also announced a three percent rate increase for specialized foster care and group home service providers. These providers ensure appropriate alternative settings for care of these children who are unable to remain in the care of their parents or guardians.

The Fiscal Year 2019 budget includes $20.2 million to fund these increases: $12.1 million for the nursing home rate, $5.1 million for the home and community-based provider rate, and $3 million for the specialized foster care and group home service provider rate.