Hello OPRA Members,

Now that the Ohio state budget is in place, I am sure you are eager to hear details relating to the implementation of initiatives included in the budget. Here is what we know so far:

• HPC Increase for DSPs – DODD is currently working on changes to HPC rule language, rates, and individual budget ranges/caps to reflect the increase in the DSP component of the HPC rate model. This includes changes to the On Sight/On Call (OS/OC) rules and increases in the rates to meet Ohio minimum wage. See the attached document entitled “HPC Rates”  to view the new HPC and OS/OC base rates. DODD will be sending out the complete rate matrix, including cost of doing businesses categories and shared staffing rates as soon as it is finalized. Proposed rule language changes to OS/OC are also attached; the OS/OC assessment is currently being piloted.
• Please note that in order to meet the January 1, 2020 implementation date, DODD must have information on the changes to the Ohio Department of Medicaid by August 1^st.  This is an incredibly fast turnaround time and DODD staff are working diligently as they can to ensure the changes can be implemented when promised. Although these rules are being pushed through quickly in order to meet the January implementation date, all changes will go through the normal rule process and stakeholders will have an opportunity to make suggestion and comments.  
• Changes to NMT and HPC Transportation – DODD is working on changes to NMT and HPC transportation rules and rates. These changes are predicted to implemented sometime between February 2020 and the end of April 2020. Changes include:
• NMT Definition: "Non-medical transportation” means transportation that is used by individuals enrolled in individual options, level one, and self-empowered life funding waivers to get to and/or from a place of employment, volunteer opportunity, college or post-secondary activity, or to access adult day support, career planning, group employment support, individual employment support, and/or vocational habilitation. Whenever possible, family, neighbors, friends, or community agencies
• NMT Per Trip: The NMT Per Trip rates will remain the same, but the vehicle passenger size limitations will be removed, thus allowing providers flexibility in vehicle size and type. Providers may choose to use large vans, mini vans, SUVs, sedans, etc. based on the need/preferences of individuals served and the needs of the organization.,
• NMT Per Mile: The NMT Per Mile rate will be used to take individuals into the community during ADS and Voc Hab. Providers will bill the NMT Per Mile rate and the service rate at the same time in a manner similar to HPC transportation. The following NMT Per Mile rates are being proposed:

Standard Vehicles

$0.54 – 1 Passenger

$0.27 per Passenger – 2-3 Passengers

$0.20 per Passenger – 4 or more Passengers

Modified Vehicles  (this rate can be used if at least one passenger needs a modified vehicle)

$0.94 – 1 Passenger

$0.47 per Passenger – 2-3 Passengers

$0.35 per Passenger – 4 or more Passengers

o HPC Transportation: The following rates are being proposed:

Standard Vehicles

$0.54 – 1 Passenger

$0.27 per Passenger – 2-3 Passengers

$0.20 per Passenger – 4 or more Passengers

Modified Vehicles  (this rate can be used if at least one passenger needs a modified vehicle)

$0.94 – 1 Passenger

$0.47 per Passenger – 2-3 Passengers

$0.35 per Passenger – 4 or more Passengers

We will continue to send out information as we know more. Please reach out to us with any questions, comments or concerns.

Respectfully,

Lisa

Lisa Mathis, Ph.D.

Director of Employment and Health Services

Ohio Provider Resource Association

1152 Goodale Boulevard 

Columbus, Ohio  43212

Office: 614-224-6772

Cell: 479-799-2711

The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings. --Kakuzo Okakaura