Raises the per diem rate by thirteen percent (13%) for Medicaid reimbursement for Tier C services provide by assisted living residence beginning January 1, 2027.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would increase the daily payment rate that Rhode Island's Medicaid program pays to assisted living facilities for a specific level of care, known as "Tier C" services. Starting January 1, 2027, these facilities would receive 13% more per day from Medicaid than they currently do. Tier C generally refers to residents who need a higher level of assistance with daily activities, such as help with bathing, dressing, medication management, or other personal care needs.

The bill primarily affects two groups: assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid residents, and low-income Rhode Island seniors or adults with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to help cover the cost of assisted living. For the facilities, the higher payment rate could help cover staffing and operational costs. For residents, the intent is to help ensure that Medicaid-funded assisted living options remain available to those who need them.

From a funding standpoint, the increased reimbursement rate would mean higher costs for Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which is jointly funded by the state and the federal government. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will examine its potential budget impact before deciding whether to move it forward.