WSR 09-06-012

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

[ Filed February 20, 2009, 11:24 a.m. ]


NOTICE OF CHANGES TO STATE OF WASHINGTON

NURSING FACILITY MEDICAID PAYMENT RATE METHODOLOGY



     The 2009 state legislature has passed changes to the method for determining facility-specific, per resident day medicaid payment rates for nursing facility care in Washington. The changes are effective February 18, 2009. This notice includes a justification, description, and estimated rate impact of the changes.

     Please address any comments or questions concerning the changes to Edward H. Southon, Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Disability Services Administration, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 725-2469, fax (360) 493-9484. Comments should be submitted within fourteen days after appearance of this notice.


JUSTIFICATION


     The changes are mandated by the 2009 Washington state legislature in the amended state Operating Budget Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill number of the act is ESHB 1694. It was passed by the legislature on February 18, 2009, and signed by the governor the same say [day]. It included an emergency clause making it effective immediately.


NEW RATES AND PROPOSED CHANGES TO RATE METHODOLOGY


     In combination with a variety of other factors, including changes in the allowed costs of care, the methodological changes are estimated to result in a statewide average nursing facility medicaid payment rate of $163.72 per resident day, at a maximum, for state fiscal year 2009, running from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009.
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