Notices for Week of: JUNE 28, 2007
PROPOSED STATE RULES
By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at http://vermont-archives.org/aparules/ovnotices.htm The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.
To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible
To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (828-2231).
Fuel Program Changes - Asset Test and Standard Heating Cost Tables
Vermont Proposed Rule: 07P032
AGENCY: Dept. for Children and Families (DCF)
CONCISE SUMMARY: This rule proposes two changes to the seasonal fuel assistance program: 1) to increase the resource test for all households to $5,000, and 2) to increase the dollar amounts in the Standard Heating Cost Tables for all fuel types. This table is used in determining the benefit amount for seasonal fuel recipient households.
TYPE OF PERSONS AFFECTED: Applicants for and recipients of seasonal fuel assistance benefits, suppliers of heating fuel, and the Department for Children and Families. Other groups may include community based organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging, Weatherization Offices, Community Action Agencies, and the Department of Aging and Independent Living, whose client groups will be affected.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: The economic impact of this rule will be minimal as we will continue to utilize the "ratable reduction" method to keep benefit issuance within the allotted LIHEAP budget.
SCHEDULED HEARINGS: On July 16, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., in the Agency of Human Services' Blue Room, DCF, State Office Complex, Waterbury, Vermont.
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: July 23, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
For copies of the rule: www.dsw.state.vt.us/rulechange.htm or contact Afsar Sultana, (802) 241-3525; afsar.sultana@ahs.state.vt.us
For other questions about the rule: Pam Dalley, Benefits Program Administrator; (802) 241-2994; pam.dalley@ahs.state.vt.us; Economic Services Division, DCF, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-1201 Fax: (802)241-3934.
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Medicaid Payment Rates for Long-Term Care Facilities
Vermont Proposed Rule: 07P033
AGENCY: Human Services, Division of Rate Setting
CONCISE SUMMARY: This rule changes the methodology for setting Medicaid rates to increase reimbursement for nursing homes as follows: removal of the sunset on the 90 percent minimum occupancy requirement and updating the occupancy between rebases for facilities that reduce the number of their licensed beds; rebasing all costs on July 1, 2007 and biennial rebasing of Nursing Care costs; enhancement of the inflation factor for the Nursing Care cost category by adding one percentage point for each year, prorated for each fraction of a year from the midpoint of the base year to the midpoint of the rate year; changing the cap on Nursing Care costs to the 90th percentile per case mix point; increasing the cap on the Indirect cost category to the median plus five percent; and including the cost of the MDS coordinator in the Nursing Care cost category.
TYPE OF PERSONS AFFECTED: The rule will affect persons eligible for long-term care under the Medicaid program, the federal government, the State of Vermont and Vermont nursing facilities participating in the Medicaid program.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: The rule will increase reimbursement to Vermont nursing facilities for care provided to Medicaid eligible residents. The annual total cost of these proposed changes to the Medicaid program is estimated to be approximately $3,664,000, or about $1,501,874 to be paid from State funds and $2,162,126 from federal funds.
SCHEDULED HEARINGS: July 16, 2007 in the Division of Rate Setting Conference Room, Third Floor, Ladd Hall, 103 South Main St., Waterbury, Vermont at 1 pm. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Monica Buzzell or Jennifer Boydon, Division of Rate Setting, 103 South Main St., Waterbury, Vermont 05671-221, telephone: 802-241-3530, email: drs@ahs.state.vt.us
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: July 23, 2007
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Leslie Wisdom, Esq. Agency of Human Services, Division of Rate Setting, Ladd Hall 3rd Floor, 103 South Main St. Waterbury, VT 05671-2201 802-241-4544 leslie.wisdom@ahs.state.vt.us
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- If you have general questions about the rulemaking process, please contact
- Louise Corliss by e-mail at or by phone 802-828-2863
