Supplemental funding to DD Waiver providers to act as a “bridge” until the Medicaid rate rebase is funded, preferably to March 31, 2022.  Providers are seriously impacted by the workforce crisis, particularly in their ability to hire and retain qualified direct support professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing minimum wage have placed additional burdens on providers who are trying to serve individuals who want to return to services but finding staff to support these individuals is extremely difficult resulting in long wait times for services.  Whatever process is developed for getting this funding to providers needs to be as simple as possible for the providers.   

I strongly agree with the comments made by vaACCSES, the VACSB and the VNPP.