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Health Care Policy & Financing seeks narrow feedback on IRSS setting definitions as parents, providers warn of harm
Summary
Department staff asked stakeholders to comment only on proposed regulatory language distinguishing 'staffed homes' from 'host homes' while affirming that a broader rate alignment intended to close a $1 billion shortfall will proceed; family caregivers and providers said the change risks cuts to pay, reduced choice, and safety problems for high‑acuity members.
Health Care Policy & Financing staff presented draft regulatory language to define two types of Individual Residential Services and Supports (IRSS) settings and invited focused public comment, while repeatedly saying the broader rate‑alignment plan that prompted the change will move forward.
“This rate alignment is not going to be reversed,” Cassandra Keller, community options benefits section manager, told attendees, and asked that remarks be limited to the proposed definition language.
Keller described the department’s intent to create two clear categories: a staffed home, where agency or contractor staff provide scheduled, shift‑based care but do not live in the residence, and a host home, where the primary caregiver resides with the member. She said the department is proposing the change to improve billing accuracy, align reimbursement with operational costs and help close an estimated $1,000,000,000 fiscal‑year shortfall.
The meeting drew…
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