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Chapter 256B

Section 256B.0915

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256B.0915 MEDICAID WAIVER FOR ELDERLY SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

(a) The commissioner is authorized to apply for a home and community-based services waiver for the elderly, authorized under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, in order to obtain federal financial participation to expand the availability of services for persons who are eligible for medical assistance. The commissioner may apply for additional waivers or pursue other federal financial participation which is advantageous to the state for funding home care services for the frail elderly who are eligible for medical assistance. The provision of waivered services to medical assistance recipients who are elderly or have a disability must comply with the criteria for service definitions and provider standards approved in the waiver.

(b) The commissioner shall comply with the requirements in the federally approved transition plan for the home and community-based services waivers authorized under this section.

Subd. 1a.Elderly waiver case management services.

(a) Except as provided to individuals under prepaid medical assistance programs as described in paragraph (h), case management services under the home and community-based services waiver for elderly individuals are available from providers meeting qualification requirements and the standards specified in subdivision 1b. Eligible recipients may choose any qualified provider of case management services.

(b) Case management services assist individuals who receive waiver services in gaining access to needed waiver and other state plan services and assist individuals in appeals under section 256.045, as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services regardless of the funding source for the services to which access is gained. Case managers shall collaborate with consumers, families, legal representatives, and relevant medical experts and service providers in the development and periodic review of the coordinated service and support plan.

(c) A case aide shall provide assistance to the case manager in carrying out administrative activities of the case management function. The case aide may not assume responsibilities that require professional judgment including assessments, reassessments, and care plan development. The case manager is responsible for providing oversight of the case aide.

(d) Case managers shall be responsible for ongoing monitoring of the provision of services included in the individual's plan of care. Case managers shall initiate the process of reassessment of the individual's coordinated service and support plan and review the plan at intervals specified in the federally approved waiver plan.

(e) The county of service or tribe must provide access to and arrange for case management services. County of service has the meaning given it in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0015, subpart 11.

(f) Except as described in paragraph (h), case management services must be provided by a public or private agency that is enrolled as a medical assistance provider determined by the commissioner to meet all of the requirements in subdivision 1b. Case management services must not be provided to a recipient by a private agency that has a financial interest in the provision of any other services included in the recipient's coordinated service and support plan. For purposes of this section, "private agency" means any agency that is not identified as a lead agency under section 256B.0911, subdivision 1a, paragraph (e).

(g) Case management service activities provided to or arranged for a person include:

(1) development of the coordinated service and support plan under subdivision 6;

(2) informing the individual or the individual's legal guardian or conservator of service options, and options for case management services and providers;

(3) consulting with relevant medical experts or service providers;

(4) assisting the person in the identification of potential providers;

(5) assisting the person to access services;

(6) coordination of services; and

(7) evaluation and monitoring of the services identified in the plan, which must incorporate at least one annual face-to-face visit by the case manager with each person.

(h) Notwithstanding any requirements in this section, for individuals enrolled in prepaid medical assistance programs under section 256B.69, subdivisions 6b and 23, the health plan shall provide or arrange to provide elderly waiver case management services in paragraph (g), in accordance with contract requirements established by the commissioner.

Subd. 1b.Provider qualifications and standards.

(a) The commissioner must enroll qualified providers of case management services under the home and community-based waiver for the elderly under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The enrollment process shall ensure the provider's ability to meet the qualification requirements and standards in this subdivision and other federal and state requirements of this service. A case management provider is an enrolled medical assistance provider who is determined by the commissioner to have all of the following characteristics:

(1) the demonstrated capacity and experience to provide the components of case management to coordinate and link community resources needed by the eligible population;

(2) administrative capacity and experience in serving the target population for whom it will provide services and in ensuring quality of services under state and federal requirements;

(3) a financial management system that provides accurate documentation of services and costs under state and federal requirements;

(4) the capacity to document and maintain individual case records under state and federal requirements; and

(5) the lead agency may allow a case manager employed by the lead agency to delegate certain aspects of the case management activity to another individual employed by the lead agency provided there is oversight of the individual by the case manager. The case manager may not delegate those aspects which require professional judgment including assessments, reassessments, and coordinated service and support plan development. Lead agencies include counties, health plans, and federally recognized tribes who authorize services under this section.

(b) A health plan shall provide or arrange to provide elderly waiver case management services in subdivision 1a, paragraph (g), in accordance with contract requirements established by the commissioner related to provider standards and qualifications.

Subd. 1c.

[Repealed by amendment, 2007 c 147 art 7 s 15]

Subd. 1d.Posteligibility treatment of income and resources for elderly waiver.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 256B.056, the commissioner shall make the following amendment to the medical assistance elderly waiver program effective July 1, 1999, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

A recipient's maintenance needs will be an amount equal to the Minnesota supplemental aid equivalent rate as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 5, plus the medical assistance personal needs allowance as defined in section 256B.35, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), when applying posteligibility treatment of income rules to the gross income of elderly waiver recipients, except for individuals whose income is in excess of the special income standard according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.236. Recipient maintenance needs shall be adjusted under this provision each July 1.

Subd. 2.Spousal impoverishment policies.

The commissioner shall apply the spousal impoverishment criteria as authorized under United States Code, title 42, section 1396r-5, and as implemented in sections 256B.0575, 256B.058, and 256B.059, except that individuals with income at or below the special income standard according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.236, receive the maintenance needs amount in subdivision 1d.

Subd. 3.Limits of cases.

The number of medical assistance waiver recipients that a lead agency may serve must be allocated according to the number of medical assistance waiver cases open on July 1 of each fiscal year. Additional recipients may be served with the approval of the commissioner.

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3a.Elderly waiver cost limits.

(a) Effective on the first day of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256R.17 for nursing home rate determination is implemented and the first day of each subsequent state fiscal year, the monthly limit for the cost of waivered services to an individual elderly waiver client shall be the monthly limit of the case mix resident class to which the waiver client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0051 to 9549.0059, in effect on the last day of the previous state fiscal year, adjusted by any legislatively adopted home and community-based services percentage rate adjustment. If a legislatively authorized increase is service-specific, the monthly cost limit shall be adjusted based on the overall average increase to the elderly waiver program.

(b) The monthly limit for the cost of waivered services under paragraph (a) to an individual elderly waiver client assigned to a case mix classification A with:

(1) no dependencies in activities of daily living; or

(2) up to two dependencies in bathing, dressing, grooming, walking, and eating when the dependency score in eating is three or greater as determined by an assessment performed under section 256B.0911 shall be $1,750 per month effective on July 1, 2011, for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011. This monthly limit shall be applied to all other participants who meet this criteria at reassessment. This monthly limit shall be increased annually as described in paragraphs (a) and (e).

(c) If extended medical supplies and equipment or environmental modifications are or will be purchased for an elderly waiver client, the costs may be prorated for up to 12 consecutive months beginning with the month of purchase. If the monthly cost of a recipient's waivered services exceeds the monthly limit established in paragraph (a), (b), (d), or (e), the annual cost of all waivered services shall be determined. In this event, the annual cost of all waivered services shall not exceed 12 times the monthly limit of waivered services as described in paragraph (a), (b), (d), or (e).

(d) Effective July 1, 2013, the monthly cost limit of waiver services, including any necessary home care services described in section 256B.0651, subdivision 2, for individuals who meet the criteria as ventilator-dependent given in section 256B.0651, subdivision 1, paragraph (g), shall be the average of the monthly medical assistance amount established for home care services as described in section 256B.0652, subdivision 7, and the annual average contracted amount established by the commissioner for nursing facility services for ventilator-dependent individuals. This monthly limit shall be increased annually as described in paragraphs (a) and (e).

(e) Effective January 1, 2018, and each January 1 thereafter, the monthly cost limits for elderly waiver services in effect on the previous December 31 shall be increased by the difference between any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1 or since the previous January 1 and the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates under chapter 256R, effective the previous January 1. This paragraph shall only apply if the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates is greater than any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1, or occurring since the previous January 1.

Subd. 3b.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3b.Cost limits for elderly waiver applicants who reside in a nursing facility.

(a) For a person who is a nursing facility resident at the time of requesting a determination of eligibility for elderly waivered services, a monthly conversion budget limit for the cost of elderly waivered services may be requested. The monthly conversion budget limit for the cost of elderly waiver services shall be the resident class assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, for that resident in the nursing facility where the resident currently resides until July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented. Effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented, the monthly conversion budget limit for the cost of elderly waiver services shall be based on the per diem nursing facility rate as determined by the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for residents in the nursing facility where the elderly waiver applicant currently resides. The monthly conversion budget limit shall be calculated by multiplying the per diem by 365, divided by 12, and reduced by the recipient's maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d. The initially approved monthly conversion budget limit shall be adjusted annually as described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (a). The limit under this subdivision only applies to persons discharged from a nursing facility after a minimum 30-day stay and found eligible for waivered services on or after July 1, 1997. For conversions from the nursing home to the elderly waiver with consumer directed community support services, the nursing facility per diem used to calculate the monthly conversion budget limit must be reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage difference between the consumer directed services budget limit that would be assigned according to the federally approved waiver plan and the corresponding community case mix cap, but not to exceed 50 percent.

(b) The following costs must be included in determining the total monthly costs for the waiver client:

(1) cost of all waivered services, including specialized supplies and equipment and environmental accessibility adaptations; and

(2) cost of skilled nursing, home health aide, and personal care services reimbursable by medical assistance.

Subd. 3c.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 9 art 3 s 76; art 4 s 34]

Subd. 3c.Service approval provisions.

Medical assistance funding for skilled nursing services, home care nursing, home health aide, and personal care services for waiver recipients must be approved by the case manager and included in the coordinated service and support plan.

Subd. 3d.Adult foster care rate.

The adult foster care rate shall not include room and board. The elderly waiver payment for the foster care service in combination with the payment for all other elderly waiver services, including case management, must not exceed the limit specified in subdivision 3a, paragraph (a).

Subd. 3e.Customized living service rate.

(a) Payment for customized living services shall be a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner. The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in the recipient's customized living service plan. The lead agency, with input from the provider of customized living services, shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized.

(b) The payment rate must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner. Counties and tribes shall use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living service plans and rates.

(c) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale. Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

(d) With the exception of individuals described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), the individualized monthly authorized payment for the customized living service plan shall not exceed 50 percent of the statewide weighted average monthly nursing facility rate of the case mix resident class to which the elderly waiver eligible client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0051 to 9549.0059, less the maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d, paragraph (a). On July 1 of each year, the individualized monthly authorized payment for the services described in this clause shall not exceed the limit which was in effect on June 30 of the previous state fiscal year updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rate maximums for home and community-based service providers.

(e) The individualized monthly payment for the customized living service plan for individuals described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), must be the monthly authorized payment limit for customized living for individuals classified as case mix A, reduced by 25 percent. This rate limit must be applied to all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011, who meet the criteria described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b). This monthly limit also applies to all other participants who meet the criteria described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), at reassessment.

(f) Customized living services are delivered by a provider licensed by the Department of Health as a class A or class F home care provider and provided in a building that is registered as a housing with services establishment under chapter 144D. Licensed home care providers are subject to section 256B.0651, subdivision 14.

(g) A provider may not bill or otherwise charge an elderly waiver participant or their family for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those available under the service rate limits described in paragraph (e), nor for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those approved in the service plan by the lead agency.

(h) Effective January 1, 2018, and each January 1 thereafter, individualized service rate limits for customized living services under this subdivision shall be increased by the difference between any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1 or since the previous January 1 and the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates under chapter 256R, effective the previous January 1. This paragraph shall only apply if the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates is greater than any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1, or occurring since the previous January 1.

Subd. 3f.Payments for services; expenditure forecasts.

(a) Lead agencies shall authorize payments for services in accordance with the payment rates and limits published annually by the commissioner.

(b) Reimbursement for the medical assistance recipients under the approved waiver shall be made from the medical assistance account through the invoice processing procedures of the department's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), only with the approval of the client's case manager. The budget for the state share of the Medicaid expenditures shall be forecasted with the medical assistance budget, and shall be consistent with the approved waiver.

Subd. 3g.Service rate limits; state assumption of costs.

(a) To improve access to community services and eliminate payment disparities between the alternative care program and the elderly waiver, the commissioner shall establish statewide service rate limits and eliminate lead agency-specific service rate limits.

(b) Effective July 1, 2001, for statewide service rate limits, except those described or defined in subdivisions 3d, 3e, and 3h, the statewide service rate limit for each service shall be the greater of the alternative care statewide rate or the elderly waiver statewide rate.

Subd. 3h.Service rate limits; 24-hour customized living services.

(a) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services is a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner of human services. The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in each recipient's customized living service plan. The lead agency, with input from the provider of customized living services, shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized. The lead agency shall not authorize 24-hour customized living services unless there is a documented need for 24-hour supervision.

(b) For purposes of this section, "24-hour supervision" means that the recipient requires assistance due to needs related to one or more of the following:

(1) intermittent assistance with toileting, positioning, or transferring;

(2) cognitive or behavioral issues;

(3) a medical condition that requires clinical monitoring; or

(4) for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011, and all other participants at their first reassessment after July 1, 2011, dependency in at least three of the following activities of daily living as determined by assessment under section 256B.0911: bathing; dressing; grooming; walking; or eating when the dependency score in eating is three or greater; and needs medication management and at least 50 hours of service per month. The lead agency shall ensure that the frequency and mode of supervision of the recipient and the qualifications of staff providing supervision are described and meet the needs of the recipient.

(c) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner. Counties and tribes will use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living plans and authorize rates.

(d) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale.

(e) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payments, in combination with the payment for other elderly waiver services, including case management, must not exceed the recipient's community budget cap specified in subdivision 3a. Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

(f) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payment rates shall not exceed the 95 percentile of statewide monthly authorizations for 24-hour customized living services in effect and in the Medicaid management information systems on March 31, 2009, for each case mix resident class under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0051 to 9549.0059, to which elderly waiver service clients are assigned. When there are fewer than 50 authorizations in effect in the case mix resident class, the commissioner shall multiply the calculated service payment rate maximum for the A classification by the standard weight for that classification under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0051 to 9549.0059, to determine the applicable payment rate maximum. Service payment rate maximums shall be updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rates for home and community-based service providers.

(g) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (d) and (f), the commissioner may establish alternative payment rate systems for 24-hour customized living services in housing with services establishments which are freestanding buildings with a capacity of 16 or fewer, by applying a single hourly rate for covered component services provided in either:

(1) licensed corporate adult foster homes; or

(2) specialized dementia care units which meet the requirements of section 144D.065 and in which:

(i) each resident is offered the option of having their own apartment; or

(ii) the units are licensed as board and lodge establishments with maximum capacity of eight residents, and which meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9555.6205, subparts 1, 2, 3, and 4, item A.

(h) Twenty-four-hour customized living services are delivered by a provider licensed by the Department of Health as a class A or class F home care provider and provided in a building that is registered as a housing with services establishment under chapter 144D. Licensed home care providers are subject to section 256B.0651, subdivision 14.

(i) A provider may not bill or otherwise charge an elderly waiver participant or their family for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those available under the service rate limits described in paragraph (e), nor for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those approved in the service plan by the lead agency.

(j) Effective January 1, 2018, and each January 1 thereafter, individualized service rate limits for 24-hour customized living services under this subdivision shall be increased by the difference between any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1 or since the previous January 1 and the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates under chapter 256R, effective the previous January 1. This paragraph shall only apply if the average statewide percentage increase in nursing facility operating payment rates is greater than any legislatively adopted home and community-based provider rate increases effective on January 1, or occurring since the previous January 1.

Subd. 3i.Rate reduction for customized living and 24-hour customized living services.

(a) Effective July 1, 2010, the commissioner shall reduce service component rates and service rate limits for customized living services and 24-hour customized living services, from the rates in effect on June 30, 2010, by five percent.

(b) To implement the rate reductions in this subdivision, capitation rates paid by the commissioner to managed care organizations under section 256B.69 shall reflect a ten percent reduction for the specified services for the period January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011, and a five percent reduction for those services on and after July 1, 2011.

Subd. 3j.Individual community living support.

Upon federal approval, there is established a new service called individual community living support (ICLS) that is available on the elderly waiver. ICLS providers may not be the landlord of recipients, nor have any interest in the recipient's housing. ICLS must be delivered in a single-family home or apartment where the service recipient or their family owns or rents, as demonstrated by a lease agreement, and maintains control over the individual unit. Case managers or care coordinators must develop individual ICLS plans in consultation with the client using a tool developed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall establish payment rates and mechanisms to align payments with the type and amount of service provided, assure statewide uniformity for payment rates, and assure cost-effectiveness. Licensing standards for ICLS shall be reviewed jointly by the Departments of Health and Human Services to avoid conflict with provider regulatory standards pursuant to section 144A.43 and chapter 245D.

Subd. 4.Termination notice.

The case manager must give the individual a ten-day written notice of any denial, reduction, or termination of waivered services.

Subd. 5.Assessments and reassessments for waiver clients.

(a) Each client shall receive an initial assessment of strengths, informal supports, and need for services in accordance with section 256B.0911, subdivisions 3, 3a, and 3b. A reassessment of a client served under the elderly waiver must be conducted at least every 12 months. There must be a determination that the client requires nursing facility level of care as defined in section 256B.0911, subdivision 4e, at initial and subsequent assessments to initiate and maintain participation in the waiver program.

(b) Regardless of other assessments identified in section 144.0724, subdivision 4, as appropriate to determine nursing facility level of care for purposes of medical assistance payment for nursing facility services, only face-to-face assessments conducted according to section 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a and 3b, that result in a nursing facility level of care determination will be accepted for purposes of initial and ongoing access to waiver service payment.

(c) The lead agency shall conduct a change-in-condition reassessment before the annual reassessment in cases where a client's condition changed due to a major health event, an emerging need or risk, worsening health condition, or cases where the current services do not meet the client's needs. A change-in-condition reassessment may be initiated by the lead agency, or it may be requested by the client or requested on the client's behalf by another party, such as a provider of services. The lead agency shall complete a change-in-condition reassessment no later than 20 calendar days from the request. The lead agency shall conduct these assessments in a timely manner and expedite urgent requests. The lead agency shall evaluate urgent requests based on the client's needs and risk to the client if a reassessment is not completed.

Subd. 6.Implementation of coordinated service and support plan.

(a) Each elderly waiver client shall be provided a copy of a written coordinated service and support plan which:

(1) is developed and signed by the recipient within ten working days after the case manager receives the assessment information and written community support plan as described in section 256B.0911, subdivision 3a, from the certified assessor;

(2) includes the person's need for service and identification of service needs that will be or that are met by the person's relatives, friends, and others, as well as community services used by the general public;

(3) reasonably ensures the health and welfare of the recipient;

(4) identifies the person's preferences for services as stated by the person or the person's legal guardian or conservator;

(5) reflects the person's informed choice between institutional and community-based services, as well as choice of services, supports, and providers, including available case manager providers;

(6) identifies long-range and short-range goals for the person;

(7) identifies specific services and the amount, frequency, duration, and cost of the services to be provided to the person based on assessed needs, preferences, and available resources;

(8) includes information about the right to appeal decisions under section 256.045; and

(9) includes the authorized annual and estimated monthly amounts for the services.

(b) In developing the coordinated service and support plan, the case manager should also include the use of volunteers, religious organizations, social clubs, and civic and service organizations to support the individual in the community. The lead agency must be held harmless for damages or injuries sustained through the use of volunteers and agencies under this paragraph, including workers' compensation liability.

Subd. 7.Prepaid elderly waiver services.

An individual for whom a prepaid health plan is liable for nursing home services or elderly waiver services according to section 256B.69, subdivision 6a, is not eligible to also receive county-administered elderly waiver services.

Subd. 8.Services and supports.

(a) Services and supports shall meet the requirements set out in United States Code, title 42, section 1396n.

(b) Services and supports shall promote consumer choice and be arranged and provided consistent with individualized, written care plans.

(c) The state of Minnesota, county, managed care organization, or tribal government under contract to administer the elderly waiver shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of direct supports or goods by the person, the person's family, or the authorized representatives with funds received through consumer-directed community support services under the federally approved waiver plan. Liabilities include, but are not limited to, workers' compensation liability, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

Subd. 9.Tribal management of elderly waiver.

Notwithstanding contrary provisions of this section, or those in other state laws or rules, the commissioner may develop a model for tribal management of the elderly waiver program and implement this model through a contract between the state and any of the state's federally recognized tribal governments. The model shall include the provision of tribal waiver case management, assessment for personal care assistance, and administrative requirements otherwise carried out by lead agencies but shall not include tribal financial eligibility determination for medical assistance.

Subd. 10.Waiver payment rates; managed care organizations.

The commissioner shall adjust the elderly waiver capitation payment rates for managed care organizations paid under section 256B.69, subdivisions 6b and 23, to reflect the maximum service rate limits for customized living services and 24-hour customized living services under subdivisions 3e and 3h. Medical assistance rates paid to customized living providers by managed care organizations under this section shall not exceed the maximum service rate limits and component rates as determined by the commissioner under subdivisions 3e and 3h.

Subd. 11.Payment rates; application.

The payment methodologies in subdivisions 12 to 16 apply to elderly waiver and elderly waiver customized living under this section, alternative care under section 256B.0913, essential community supports under section 256B.0922, and community access for disability inclusion customized living, brain injury customized living, and elderly waiver foster care and residential care.

Subd. 12.Payment rates; phase-in.

Effective January 1, 2019, all rates and rate components for services under subdivision 11 shall be the sum of ten percent of the rates calculated under subdivisions 13 to 16 and 90 percent of the rates calculated using the rate methodology in effect as of June 30, 2017.

Subd. 13.Payment rates; establishment.

(a) When establishing the base wages according to subdivision 14, the commissioner shall use standard occupational classification (SOC) codes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as defined in the edition of the Occupational Handbook published immediately prior to January 1, 2019, using Minnesota-specific wages taken from job descriptions.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2019, and every January 1 thereafter, the commissioner shall establish factors, component rates, and rates according to subdivisions 15 and 16, using base wages established according to paragraph (a) and subdivision 14.

Subd. 14.Payment rates; base wage index.

(a) Base wages are calculated for customized living, foster care, and residential care component services as follows:

(1) the home management and support services base wage equals 33.33 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for personal and home care aide (SOC code 39-9021); 33.33 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for food preparation workers (SOC code 35-2021); and 33.34 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC code 37-2012);

(2) the home care aide base wage equals 50 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for home health aides (SOC code 31-1011); and 50 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014);

(3) the home health aide base wage equals 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC code 29-2061); and 80 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and

(4) the medication setups by licensed practical nurse base wage equals ten percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC code 29-2061); and 90 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for registered nurses (SOC code 29-1141).

(b) Base wages are calculated for the following services as follows:

(1) the chore services base wage equals 100 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for landscaping and groundskeeping workers (SOC code 37-3011);

(2) the companion services base wage equals 50 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for personal and home care aides (SOC code 39-9021); and 50 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC code 37-2012);

(3) the homemaker services and assistance with personal care base wage equals 60 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for personal and home care aide (SOC code 39-9021); 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC code 37-2012);

(4) the homemaker services and cleaning base wage equals 60 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for personal and home care aide (SOC code 39-9021); 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC code 37-2012);

(5) the homemaker services and home management base wage equals 60 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for personal and home care aide (SOC code 39-9021); 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners (SOC code 37-2012);

(6) the in-home respite care services base wage equals five percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for registered nurses (SOC code 29-1141); 75 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC code 29-2061);

(7) the out-of-home respite care services base wage equals five percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for registered nurses (SOC code 29-1141); 75 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014); and 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC code 29-2061); and

(8) the individual community living support base wage equals 20 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (SOC code 29-2061); and 80 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for nursing assistants (SOC code 31-1014).

(c) Base wages are calculated for the following values as follows:

(1) the registered nurse base wage equals 100 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for registered nurses (SOC code 29-1141); and

(2) the social worker base wage equals 100 percent of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MetroSA average wage for medical and public health social workers (SOC code 21-1022).

(d) If any of the SOC codes and positions are no longer available, the commissioner shall, in consultation with stakeholders, select a new SOC code and position that is the closest match to the previously used SOC position.

Subd. 15.Payment rates; factors.

The commissioner shall use the following factors:

(1) the payroll taxes and benefits factor is the sum of net payroll taxes and benefits divided by the sum of all salaries for all nursing facilities on the most recent and available cost report;

(2) the general and administrative factor is the sum of net general and administrative expenses minus administrative salaries divided by total operating expenses for all nursing facilities on the most recent and available cost report;

(3) the program plan support factor is 12.8 percent to cover the cost of direct service staff needed to provide support for the home and community-based service when not engaged in direct contact with clients;

(4) the registered nurse management and supervision factor equals 15 percent of the product of the position's base wage and the sum of the factors in clauses (1) to (3); and

(5) the social worker supervision factor equals 15 percent of the product of the position's base wage and the sum of the factors in clauses (1) to (3).

Subd. 16.Payment rates; component rates.

(a) For the purposes of this subdivision, the "adjusted base wage" for a position equals the position's base wage plus:

(1) the position's base wage multiplied by the payroll taxes and benefits factor;

(2) the position's base wage multiplied by the general and administrative factor; and

(3) the position's base wage multiplied by the program plan support factor.

(b) For medication setups by licensed nurse, registered nurse, and social worker services, the component rate for each service equals the respective position's adjusted base wage.

(c) For home management and support services, home care aide, and home health aide services, the component rate for each service equals the respective position's adjusted base wage plus the registered nurse management and supervision factor.

(d) The home management and support services component rate shall be used for payment for socialization and transportation component rates under elderly waiver customized living.

(e) The 15-minute unit rates for chore services and companion services are calculated as follows:

(1) sum the adjusted base wage for the respective position and the social worker factor; and

(2) divide the result of clause (1) by four.

(f) The 15-minute unit rates for homemaker services and assistance with personal care, homemaker services and cleaning, and homemaker services and home management are calculated as follows:

(1) sum the adjusted base wage for the respective position and the registered nurse management and supervision factor; and

(2) divide the result of clause (1) by four.

(g) The 15-minute unit rate for in-home respite care services is calculated as follows:

(1) sum the adjusted base wage for in-home respite care services and the registered nurse management and supervision factor; and

(2) divide the result of clause (1) by four.

(h) The in-home respite care services daily rate equals the in-home respite care services 15-minute unit rate multiplied by 18.

(i) The 15-minute unit rate for out-of-home respite care is calculated as follows:

(1) sum the out-of-home respite care services adjusted base wage and the registered nurse management and supervision factor; and

(2) divide the result of clause (1) by four.

(j) The out-of-home respite care services daily rate equals the out-of-home respite care services 15-minute unit rate multiplied by 18.

(k) The individual community living support rate is calculated as follows:

(1) sum the adjusted base wage for the home care aide rate in subdivision 14, paragraph (a), clause (2), and the social worker factor; and

(2) divide the result of clause (1) by four.

(l) The home delivered meals rate equals $9.30. Beginning July 1, 2018, the commissioner shall increase the home delivered meals rate every July 1 by the percent increase in the nursing facility dietary per diem using the two most recent and available nursing facility cost reports.

(m) The adult day services rate is based on the home care aide rate in subdivision 14, paragraph (a), clause (2), plus the additional factors from subdivision 15, except that the general and administrative factor used shall be 20 percent. The nonregistered nurse portion of the rate shall be multiplied by 0.25, to reflect an assumed-ratio staffing of one caregiver to four clients, and divided by four to determine the 15-minute unit rate. The registered nurse portion is divided by four to determine the 15-minute unit rate and $0.63 per 15-minute unit is added to cover the cost of meals.

(n) The adult day services bath 15-minute unit rate is the same as the calculation of the adult day services 15-minute unit rate without the adjustment for staffing ratio.

(o) If a bath is authorized for an adult day services client, at least two 15-minute units must be authorized to allow for adequate time to meet client needs. Adult day services may be authorized for up to 48 units, or 12 hours, per day based on client and family caregiver needs.

Subd. 17.Evaluation of rate methodology.

The commissioner, in consultation with stakeholders, shall conduct a study to evaluate the following:

(1) base wages in subdivision 14, to determine if the standard occupational classification codes for each rate and component rate are an appropriate representation of staff who deliver the services; and

(2) factors in subdivision 15, and adjusted base wage calculation in subdivision 16, to determine if the factors and calculations appropriately address nonwage provider costs.

By January 1, 2019, the commissioner shall submit a report to the legislature on the changes to the rate methodology in this statute, based on the results of the evaluation. Where feasible, the report shall address the impact of the new rates on the workforce situation and client access to services. The report should include any changes to the rate calculations methods that the commissioner recommends.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes