Senator Judy Ward Support for PAS Rate Funding
Thank you! Because of you, we have received our first letter of support for PAS rate funding, a rate setting methodology and schedule, and a corresponding adjustment to the Medicaid fee for service rate!
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Senator Kim Ward
Senate President Pro Tempore
292 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Senator Scott Martin
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman
281 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Senator Joe Pittman
Senate Majority Leader
350 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Senators Ward, Pittman, and Martin:
I am writing in support of Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and the inclusion of an increase in the Office of Long-Term living’s (OIL) PAS rate. Consideration of this funding is critical because funding related to in-home personal assistance services has not kept up with the cost of providing high quality, reliable services, even though personal assistance services are roughly one-half to one-third the cost of institutional placement.
An increase in this funding would also enable the Department of Human Services to make other changes related to the OIL PAS rate, including the establishment of a rate-setting formula and schedule similar to the one in place for the Office of Developmental Programs and an adjustment to the Commonwealth’s published Medicaid fee schedule for PAS to ensure that managed care organizations pass the funding through to the PAS providers and their direct-care workers.
It is important to note that nursing homes received approximately a 20 percent rate increase in 2023, yet In-home PAS and its Direct Care Professionals received 0 percent. Also in 2023, managed-care companies received an increase in funding of more than $928 million over the 2022 budget, yet PAS providers and their Direct Care Professionals received 0 percent.
As stakeholders will attest, PAS are essential to people with disabilities who live independently with dignity in their own homes and communities. Approximately 125,000 Pennsylvanians currently depend upon personal assistance services every day and this vulnerable population is expected to grow. The financial commitments that are made to PAS initiatives will enhance the quality of life for all Pennsyivanlans with disabilities and the professionals who care for them.
I strongly support an increase for increased OTL PAS rates in the FY 2023-24 budget, and I thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Senator Judy Ward
30th Senatorial District
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