We request the 10% FMAP for Medicaid HCBS be used for a rate increase for Medicaid Agency Directed Personal Care services as this waiver is currently not adequately funded to enable care providers to pay caregivers an adequate wage to care for the Commonwealth's most vulnerable population. Agency Directed Personal Care Providers have already incurred the increased cost associated with COVID-19 and the loss of revenue. This industry continues to be negatively impacted by the minimum wage increase that took effect on May 1st, 2021.
In order to continue providing this valuable, cost effective home based community service to the Commonwealth's most vulnerable population, we recommend Virginia State policy makers do the following:
Sincerely,
Bill Hurt
VP Operations
AmeriCare Plus LLC
Past President
Virginia Association of Personal Care Providers