BEFORE THE Department of Public

health and human services of the

STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 37.40.1026, 37.40.1135, 37.85.104, and 37.85.105 pertaining to the revision of fee schedules for Medicaid provider rates

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On May 14, 2015, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-705 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 536 of the 2015 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 9.

 

2. The department has amended the above-stated rules as proposed.

 

3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT #1: A commenter sent a letter of support regarding the increase in reimbursement for the additional vaccine administration that pharmacists may provide, the dispensing fee for preferred brand name and generic drugs, and generic drugs not identified on the preferred drug list.

 

RESPONSE #1: The department appreciates the comment submitted.

 

COMMENT #2: A commenter sent a letter of support regarding the increase of the dispensing fees for pharmacy providers.

 

RESPONSE #2: The department appreciates the comment submitted.

 

COMMENT #3: A commenter, representing an agency-based and self-directed personal assistance and community first choice provider agency, expressed support for the increase in provider rates. The same person recommended that the 2015 legislatively appropriated funding for direct-care worker bonuses and wage increases be included in the overall reimbursement rate rather than a lump-sum payment distributed to providers on a semi-annual basis.

 

RESPONSE #3: The department appreciates the suggestion to incorporate the direct-care worker wage funding into the reimbursement rate for personal assistance and community first choice services. Over the past few years the funding for direct-care worker wages and bonuses has changed from one-time-only funding to an ongoing funding allocation.  The department will complete an analysis of the impact of incorporating this funding into the overall rate calculation for providers that are eligible to participate in this direct-care wage funding and will take under consideration the possibility of incorporating the direct-care wage funding into the overall rate calculation during the next state fiscal year starting on July 1, 2016.

 

          4. These rule amendments are effective July 1, 2015.

 

 

/s/ Geralyn Driscoll                                /s/ Mary E. Dalton acting for                 

Geralyn Driscoll, Attorney                      Richard H. Opper, Director

Rule Reviewer                                       Public Health and Human Services

 

         

Certified to the Secretary of State June 15, 2015.