SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the House Human Services Finance Committee heard HF 999, authored by Rep. Jess Hanson (DFL - Burnsville). The bill requires the use of more recent economic data when updating factors in the Disability Waiver Rate System - Minnesota's uniform, statewide methodology to determine reimbursement rates for home and community-based services provided under the four Medicaid (MA) disability waivers.
“This is another bill I’m bringing back again this session to better help direct support professionals,” said Rep. Hanson. “If we believe in honoring the dignity and worth of Minnesotans with disabilities, our disability service reimbursement rates must reflect these values. We are well aware of the workforce shortage in disability services. When we are short of workers in disability services, we are preventing our neighbors with disabilities the ability to live their lives to the fullest extent possible.”
Parent advocates, Jill Anderson and Barbara del Cara Scaia; and Board Directors President of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, Stacy Roe testified in support of the bill.
The Senate’s companion bill is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Human Services Committee.
The bill was laid over for further consideration by the committee.
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