Like Joelle, I won’t be able to join you for this session, but here are my thoughts:

1. I like the lead-in narrative for both major topics.  They provide great talking points for our overall advocacy effort and for our DAC.  

2. I think the Start of Service billing rate is important, but not as strategic as the Rate Setting Methodology and Workforce Shortage efforts. 

3. I believe the Home Care Rate Setting Methodology initiative is critical for us because it will (hopefully) have the effect of coupling our reimbursements to our costs.  But we all understand that the legislative wheels turn slowly.  Realistically, any new methodology will not take effect for several years.  Meanwhile, Minneapolis is increasing its minimum wage and mandated benefits for all workers within its city limits.  St. Paul is rushing to keep up.  Even outside the Twin Cities, we are mandated to increase wages and benefits, largely as a result of union negotiations with the state.  MA reimbursement rates have not increased proportionately, aggravating the longstanding disconnect between our costs and our reimbursements.  In this environment, some of our members have said they will stop doing business in the city of Minneapolis.  I don’t know whether this is true, or to what extent, but legislators should understand the tipping point they are approaching.  Where and how agencies deploy their critically scarce staff will certainly be influenced by these well-intentioned handouts (of our resources). 

4. In this legislative session, we will undoubtedly enjoy some “known an unknown” issues that could impact our members.  Your list is a good one, here are a couple more you may consider:

• Monitor local initiatives that adversely affect our cost to deliver quality home care services
• DHS will emphasize fraud, waste and abuse enforcement – we should work to ensure they do it in an intelligent way that minimizes the impact on the good guys

Jay

From: mhcabod@list.mnhomecare.org <mhcabod@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Kathy Messerli
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2019 10:27
To: BOD listserve <mhcabod@list.mnhomecare.org>
Cc: Mandy Rubenstein <mrubenstein@mnhomecare.org>; Karen Peterson <kpeterson@mnhomecare.org>
Subject: 2020 MHCA Legislative Agenda (pending).DOCX

The Legislative Priorities proposed by the Advocacy Committee are attached for your review and approval during our conference call meeting Friday. For those unable to join us, feel free to share your input with me via email or a phone call after I’m back in the office Weds. Thanks!

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director

MN HomeCare Association

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