In 2019, GAO and industry advocacy led to the successful renewal of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 1.9% for Medicaid reimbursement rates for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Skilled Nursing services. This adds an additional $232,941 to BAYADA’s annual revenue, and $26,535 to the company’s annual operating surplus.

The first-in-the-nation COLA adjustment was included in 2018 state legislation as a result of the advocacy efforts of GAO, client and employee Ambassadors and advocates, and Rhode Island industry partners, as well as a public affairs campaign that led to local print and broadcast media coverage on the need for regular rate reviews to ensure that reimbursements for home care services were adjusted annually to keep up with real costs of living and conducting business.

By continuing to advocate for the renewal of the COLA increase every year, then Rhode Island service offices will be able to—at their discretion—increase field staff wages, thereby increasing caregiver recruitment and retention rates and enabling clients to experience less missed shifts.

BREAKING: Due to GAO, BAYADA, and industry advocacy, RI Governor Raimondo has already proposed a 5.9% increase for skilled nursing and CNA services in the 2020-2021 budget! If successfully passed through both chambers in the state house, effective July 1, 2020, this increase will add $219,791 to BAYADA’s yearly revenue, and $65,937 to BAYADA’s annual operating surplus.

Thank you to our RI staff and clients for your continued commitment to advocacy on behalf of all of Rhode Island’s caregivers, and the medically fragile and vulnerable populations!