Extension of Temporary ARPA Related Rate Increases for Certain Providers of Home and Community-Based Services

As you are aware, as part of its implementation of increased funding available pursuant to Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and drawing on additional Medicaid funding, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) provided immediate time-limited rate enhancements aimed at strengthening and stabilizing the state’s home and community-based services (HCBS) and behavioral health workforce in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. These temporary rate increases began on July 1, 2021 and were scheduled to end on June 30, 2022.

Given the continued workforce challenge, EOHHS will be extending the time-limited 10% rate enhancement for certain providers of HCBS, behavioral health services, and chapter 257 services. The temporarily extended continuation of these rate enhancements will be codified through regulation, and more information will be forthcoming.

EOHHS will be temporarily continuing the 10% rate enhancements for the following MassHealth home and community-based services, and until such time that the service specific governing rate regulation for the particular service is updated (e.g., the 10% rate enhancement for MassHealth home health services will continue until such time that an updated 101 CMR 403.00: Home Health Services is updated and promulgated): Home Health, Adult Foster Care (AFC), Transitional Living Program (TLP), Personal Care Management (PCM) services, Home and Community Based Waiver Services, and Continuous Skilled Nursing (CSN).

For CSN services, MassHealth will be updating existing rate regulations to make the 10% enhancement permanent.

Additionally, MassHealth Managed Care Entities will be directed to continue 10% rate enhancements until such time that the applicable service specific rate regulation is updated and promulgated. Additional information regarding anticipated timelines of MassHealth rate reviews will be provided.

Existing requirements for allowable uses of the increased funds shall continue during this bridge period and more details will be forthcoming.