Statement presented to Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services on 101 CMR 361.00: Rates for Continuous Skilled Nursing Agency and Independent Nursing Services

The Disability Law Center has asked me to provide testimony on the proposed rate for MassHealth Continuous Skilled Nursing services.

·        MassHealth and CHIA are to be commended for proposing rates that are likely to encourage more nurses to provide Continuous Skilled Nursing services to MassHealth members and thus reduce care shortfalls.

·        These rates are unlikely to be effective in closing care gaps for a full two years. MassHealth and CHIA should monitor care shortfalls and Massachusetts nursing markets and should adjust rates as needed, to assure that the proposed rates support needed CSN care for MassHealth members.