As an In-Home Personal Care Agency, who's funding consists of majority State Medicaid, the proposed Paid Sick Leave implementation on our industry will be another cost that we will not be able to make up unless, the Commonwealth increases our State Medicaid reimbursement to offset the cost. Regulatory reimbursement is fixed by the Commonwealth, and our industry does not set its rates, the rates are dictated by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). With our industry having to provide Paid Sick Leave, without increased reimbursement, we will not be able to keep our doors open and in turn, will leave the most vulnerable population in the Commonwealth in a very bad situation. There are not enough beds at nursing home facilities to hold all of the individuals that receive personal care service in the confines of their own home.

Please consider our industry exempt from having to provide Paid Sick Leave or let's work together to figure out how we can keep our doors open and receive increased reimbursement for the quality service we provide.

Thank you for allowing me the time to comment on this regulatory matter.