Gov. Ricketts, DHHS plan to increase program rates to assist health care providers

 "As they manage the pressures of the pandemic and persistent workforce shortages, the proposed rate increases will offer much-needed assistance," said Gov. Ricketts. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to temporarily increase provider rates in several programs to assist health care providers.

The rate increases would help providers in Nebraska stabilize their operations while facing worker shortages and increased costs due to COVID-19. The federal office of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will need to approve the planned increases.

“As they manage the pressures of the pandemic and persistent workforce shortages, the proposed rate increases will offer much-needed assistance,” said Gov. Ricketts.

According to a press release, the plan includes over $61 million to increase provider rates. The rate increases include a $20 daily increase for assisted living and nursing homes and a child welfare provider rate increase to $25 per hour for travel and $55 per hour for family support.

If approved, the rate increases will be administered retroactively from Jan. 1 through June 30.

The waivers programs and services impacted by the proposed rate increase include:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities Waiver
• Assisted Living and Nursing Home per Diem
• Child Welfare Rate Increase for Parenting Time and Family Support

“Our providers are vital partners who serve on the front lines to ensure Nebraskans with distinct needs are living the good life in their community as independently as possible,” said DHHS CEO Dannette R Smith. “This planned rate increase will ensure our partners can continue providing top-notch service.”