Legislative Update
The General Assembly will likely reconvene after the Fourth of July for a special session to consider issues related to reproductive health. While convened in Springfield for special session, the General Assembly can also convene in regular legislative session to address outstanding issues from the Spring Session, such as the Russian divestment bill, and address new issues, such as suspension of the gas tax. AALC will be monitoring closely and sharing updates. As always, our aim is to advance and protect the Supportive Living Program.
Meanwhile, AALC is working closely with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to implement the Medicaid rate increase to supportive living providers. During the last Spring Session, the AALC lobbying team, along with our legislative champions, successfully advocated for an increase to SLP Medicaid rates. (Public Act 102-1035 and Public Act 102-0699)
While most of rate increase will be effective July 1, 2022, AALC is working with HFS on parameters for the “add-on” portion of the funds tied to quality and CNA tenure and promotion. Implementing these add-ons requires approval from federal CMS. HFS has begun this process through the waiver renewal, which was posted for public comment on June 1st. Today, AALC submitted formal comment to HFS on the HCBS waiver renewal and anticipates continuing to work with HFS on implementation.
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