Resolve, Regarding Medicaid Reimbursement for Rehabilitation Hospitals

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  recent changes to the formula used by the Department of Health and Human Services for determining Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of rehabilitation services have placed an undue and inequitable financial burden on the providers of these services; and

Whereas,  it is imperative that this inequity be corrected as soon as possible; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Medicaid reimbursement rates. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate provided to rehabilitation hospitals. This increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate must be funded using existing hospital reimbursement resources and have no net cost to the General Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds or the Federal Expenditures Fund.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate provided to rehabilitation hospitals. This increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate must be funded using existing hospital reimbursement resources and have no net cost to the General Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds or the Federal Expenditures Fund.