As reported in November, the Adult Family Home Council won an important decision related to how Medicaid rates are paid. The ruling issued by the Public Employees Relation Council upheld that adult family home providers are entitled to negotiate for additional reimbursement for residents requiring awake staff night, two person assists, transportation by the AFH, and the managing of challenging behaviors. In an attempt to avoid negotiating and funding these issues the state has appealed the decision to the Thurston County Superior Court. Likely, a decision will not be rendered in the appeal until sometime this summer. Funding for these rates could be as much as two years away, depending upon how long we are tied up in court. We feel confident we will prevail on these issues.
The Call to Action
While we work through this process we are asking providers join in the cause.
- Be a member. Member dues fund the legal team that takes action in this case. Keeping pressure on the state to pay fair rates for actual costs is a cause all providers should support. Even if you do not serve residents who might be eligible for these add-on rates or Medicaid residents at all, this funding will improve provider’s ability to hire appropriate staff, access quality training, and better serve residents.
- Request an Exception to the Rate (ETR). If you serve residents or are asked to serve residents that require awake staff at night, two-person assist, transportation by the AFH, and managing of challenging behaviors, make a request to your case manager to submit an ETR for your additional costs. Contact the AFHC for assistance in requesting an ETR.
If we work together, adult family homes will succeed in receiving fair pay that covers the cost of the important work of delivering compassionate, individualized care to the vulnerable adults across Washington.
Thank you for all you do!
John Ficker
Executive Director
Adult Family Home Council
