MEDICAID-NURSING HOMES-RATES

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning Medicaid rates for nursing homes, provides that for FY04 and for each subsequent fiscal year until the rates for such facilities equal the level in effect on June 30, 2002, all moneys appropriated specifically for Medicaid rate adjustments for such facilities shall be applied first to restoring the rates for nursing homes to the level in effect on June 30, 2002, thereby restoring the 5.9% reduction in rates otherwise required; requires moneys appropriated specifically for rate adjustments in excess of the amount necessary to restore the rates to be applied to making payments in accordance with the new Minimum Data Set (MDS) methodology. Provides that on and after July 1, 2005, such excess moneys shall be applied as follows: (i) 50% shall be applied to making payments to facilities in accordance with the new MDS-based payment methodology; and (ii) 50% shall be applied to provide an equitable percentage increase in the nursing component of the nursing home rates. Provides that on and after July 1, 2005, the rates paid to nursing homes shall not be reduced to an amount less than 9.5% of the nursing rate in effect on June 30, 2002. Effective immediately.