Statement From DHHS Commissioner Meyers RE Letter To Legislative Budget Leaders On Proposed Medicaid Rate Increases

Concord, NH – New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeff Meyers has written to Finance Chairs Senator Lou D’Allessandro and Representative Mary Jane Wallner outlining concerns with the proposal in the Senate-passed version of House Bill 2 (HB2) to raise Medicaid rates:

“The letter outlines the Department’s concerns that the flat percentage increase methodology used in the Senate’s version of HB2 to increase rates would not ensure an equitable allocation to Medicaid providers, as it does not take into consideration rate increases proposed elsewhere in the budget or in other legislation.”

“Rather than take the approach outlined in HB2, the Department proposes to develop a plan to distribute the funds allocated in HB2, based on rate history, rate increases proposed in other legislation, and with input from providers. This plan will require Legislative approval and will ensure the State’s most pressing needs will be effectively addressed.”