An Act to protect medically fragile children

This bill aims to improve care for medically fragile children by requiring the state to fill a growing percentage of authorized skilled nursing hours through MassHealth, targeting 75% by 2023, 80% by 2024, and 85% by 2025. It mandates that any budget increases used for this purpose can be directed toward raising nurse wages and requires the state to submit annual reports on the number of filled hours, appeals, and reductions in authorized care. Additionally, the bill directs the Medicaid office to review and report on wage rates paid to home health agencies providing these services, ensuring transparency for lawmakers.