Another Tale of Good News/Bad News

February 02, 2025

Budget Committee Reports came out this afternoon and, as is to be expected there is good news, bad news and mediocre news.  Here is a breakdown of what was important to VNPP – remember that these amendments are recommended additions/changes to the budget which passed last year and was proposed at the beginning of this session as amended by the Governor.  The existing budget contains a 3% rate increase that has neither been amended nor removed and, therefore, will still exist when the budget is adopted:

ITEM 288; FFFFF #2

Effective July 1, 2025, the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall have the authority to update the rates for DD waiver services by three percent for Group Homes, Sponsored Residential, Supported Living, Independent Living Supports, In-home Supports, Community Engagement, Community Coaching, Therapeutic Consultation, Private Duty and Skilled Nursing, Group Day Support, Group Supported Employment, Workplace Assistance, Community Guide, and Benefits Planning. The department shall have the authority to implement these changes prior to completion of any regulatory process to effect such change.

 

In the bad news category, neither report  included –

• Additional Funding for the VHWDA to fund further development of the DSP Pipeline (development funding is in this year, this would have supported the early stages of implementation)
• The vast majority of the rate increase requests
• The elimination of the “trigger” language which eliminates the Medicaid Expansion option if the Fed reduces their 90% share

 

In the mediocre news category, at least one of the reports included –

• $8.7M for CSBs to increase the number of Support Coordinators – H
• Funding and language to allow payment for designated support staff while individuals are in acute care – H
• Funding the “provider capacity” initiative to provide small amounts to fund a variety of supports for new providers – S

 

In the good news category, both reports include –

• Funding for the “Boost” programs to increase the number of licensed therapists
• Creation of a service called “Center-Based Respite”

Once the complete list of committee amendments has been posted, we will re-evalute the above and make sure our information is accurate.    The Senate had a clear focus on tax policy and stability; the House focused more on social welfare issues and both had maternal health as a priority.  The latter largely driven by the interests of several prominent members of the General Assembly.

 

Our focus will be to encourage the Senate to support the two amendments listed above that currently only have support in the House!