Omnibus HHS Bill Released

An update from our Government Relations Specialists at Fredrikson & Byron:

Representative Huntley released the House Health and Human Services Omnibus bill on the morning of April 9th. The House Health and Human Services Finance committee will take testimony on the bill on Wednesday and Thursday, amendments to the bill will be presented and voted on this Friday, with the goal of having the entire bill passed out of Rep. Huntley’s committee by tonight (Friday). We expect to see the Senate Health and Human Services Omnibus bill either late this week or early next week. Once passed out of the Health and Human Services Finance committees, these two bills will make a few more short stops before heading to conference committee. In conference committee a small group of House and Senate members will try to work out a final compromised bill between the House and Senate versions.

The key provisions of the House Health and Human Services Omnibus bill include:

• A 2% increase in rates for Home and Community Based Service providers for the 2014 State Fiscal Year (beginning July 2013)
• A repeal of the sixth month 1.67% rate cut that was to be implemented this July 2013 (please note this is separate than the payment shift that is still set to take this July 2013)
• CFSS Implementation Language
• Office of the Inspector General changes to provider enrollment requirements (including increased surety bond requirements and application fees which we have been in communication with MHCA about)

The House Health and Human Services Omnibus bill does identify $150 million in savings, and pays for many of the proposed increases and buy backs through hospital surcharges, Healthcare Access funds, and other sources. If you have a moment, please reach out to your MN House Representative to thank them and ask for their continued support of the 1.67% cut buy back and 2% increase for Home and Community Based disability service providers. We will continue to provide you all with information as we further analyze the legislation.