In an effort to keep members as up-to-date as possible, ARRM is providing information on recent developments regarding DHS’s proposed payment methodology.
In early February, DHS provided the initial values for wages and other adjustments to use in rate frameworks. At that time they also opened the rate management system for counties to begin generating shadow payment rates. The various rate frameworks were made available via the DHS website so providers and other parties could begin to analyze the impact of the new system on their existing rates. If you haven’t done so already, we strongly encourage you to visit the DHS website, available here, and examine service rates under the new payment methodology.
When using these framework spreadsheets, the only item agencies can input is the hours of service you’ll provide, both shared and individual. When populating the frameworks, we encourage agencies to use the hours recently provided to counties.
ARRM is actively dealing with the myriad of issues the new rate setting methodology creates for providers. In response, we’ve developed our own legislation. At the same time, we have had meetings with other provider groups and DHS staff to share our proposal, get their feedback, and make any necessary changes. Our bill is drafted and we are waiting for it to be introduced.
In order to properly analyze and address DHS’s proposed rate setting system, we need to collect information from members. We have created a spreadsheet for members to complete that will give us an idea how the rates will impact agency’s finances. This spreadsheet will be sent directly to agencies with members that serve on ARRM’s Payment Methodology Task Force and Financial Resources Committees to get data quickly for use in upcoming hearings and negotiations.
We want to collect this information from other members as well. That same spreadsheet is available here. As you populate the DHS frameworks, use this spreadsheet to compare the rates, and return the spreadsheet to cwieber@arrm.org.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me via email at cwieber@arrm.org or by phone at (651) 291-1086 ext. 9.
--Craig Wieber, Chief Fiscal Analyst