Late on Monday, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, released their portion of the “big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill. What’s In Senate Finance’s Version
Medicaid Provider Taxes
- Non-expansion states: a freeze on current provider taxes.
- Expansion states: a phased reduction of the hold harmless threshold by 0.5% annually starting in 2027. This phased reduction would continue for five years through 2031 until the threshold reaches 3.5%. However, there is a carve out for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. These provider classes are exempt from the phased reduction to 3.5%.
Retroactive Coverage
Current law affords retroactive coverage for three months prior to the approval of an entered application. Senate Finance language proposes 60 days for all categories of eligibility other than expansion new adults.
Staffing Mandate
Senate Finance includes a permanent repeal of the staffing mandate.
What Happens Next
In terms of process, once Senate Republicans coalesce around language, they will proceed directly to the Senate floor for consideration of all pieces of the legislation. They want to achieve this by the Fourth of July. If the Senate’s version is different than the House’s, then it must go back to the House to be considered once again.
A lot of changes can happen between now and then. So, the next couple of weeks are critical, and we are remaining vigilant at every step of the legislative process.
How You Can Help: Contact Your Senators
Now is the perfect time to reach out to your senators. Call or email, and tell them to protect Medicaid for seniors, including provider taxes. If it’s right to do so, thank them for their efforts.
Collectively, our advocacy efforts are making an impact. Let’s continue to keep up the fight and win for our residents.