Effective Date: January 17, 2013.

     Description: The MTCC program was transferred from the department of social and health services (DSHS) to the department of early learning (DEL) effective July 1, 2011. At the time of the transfer, the rate structure had been in place since 2007, and not reviewed or updated since that time. The Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS) requested a review and update to the rates in July 2012, in accordance with federal code 42 C.F.R. 447.205.

     The current rate structure is based on legislative appropriation amounts, allocated across the various cost categories of each contractor. The proposed MTCC rate changes will not affect existing contract budgets, but will align the rates to comparable services paid by other medicaid programs. The new rate structure enhances the contractor's ability to be compensated more appropriately for the services provided, including the initial assessment conducted for each child enrolled in the MTCC program. Contractors will also be required to provide annual audited financial statements to the department of early learning to verify costs incurred for the MTCC program. DEL will work with existing contractors to develop processes to assist with the implementation of programmatic and administrative changes of the MTCC program.

     Copies of the proposed changes are available at DEL in Olympia, Washington. Written comments can be sent to DEL, 111 South 2nd Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, Attention: Veronica Santangelo, MTCC Administrator.

     No public hearings are being scheduled for this change because of the negligible impact.

     For additional information, contact Veronica Santangelo, MTCC, 111 South 2nd Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, phone (509) 480-2273, fax (509) 697-6672, e-mail veronica.santangelo@del.wa.gov, web site http://www.del.wa.gov/.