John, Maryland does not provide inflationary increases per se to community-based behavioral health providers.
However, in 2019, we amended a $15/hr minimum wage bill to require the state to increase rates for community-based behavioral health services by 3-4% each year for the coming eight years. The way Maryland's legislative process works, this law now requires the Governor to fully fund the legally-mandated rates, then request permission from the legislature to reduce the funding. We've been more successful fighting to prevent cuts than we are to secure additional funds - so far the mandated increases have been fully funded.
You can find a copy of our minimum wage bill and mandated increases here:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/chapters_noln/Ch_11_sb0280E.pdf------------------------------
Shannon Hall
Executive Director
Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland
Catonsville MD
410-788-1865 ext 2
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-20-2021 09:29
From: John Tassoni
Subject: Inflationary Increase for SUF Residential Service Rates - help requested - time sensitive - 9/20/21
Dear colleagues - We have met with our state Department of Health and Human Services about linking the SUD rates to an inflationary scale as is done for nursing facilities, hospitals, and some HCBS services.
The state has now asked what scales other states use (if their rates receive annual inflationary increases).
Could you share how your state sets inflation increases for substance use treatment or other analogous examples by Wednesday?
Thank you for your help with this – John
John Tassoni, Jr.
Vice President of Operations, Community and Government Relations
Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island
PS - Below are the scales the state uses for hospitals, HCBS, and long-term care.
For your reference, below are current examples in statute:
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John Tassoni
VP of Operations, Community and Government Relations
Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island
Warwick RI
(401)521-5759
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