S. 173 (Lead Sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico) and H. 2898 (Lead Sponsor, Rep. John Scibek) would – if passed – ensure long term fair and reasonable rates of reimbursement. This legislation follows the example of Human Services Chapter 257 by calling for a process for revising the rate reserve process.
Specifically, the legislation would instruct the Board of Early Education or the State to:
- develop cost-based fair and reasonable rates;
- conduct an annual public hearing on rates;
- ensure – at minimum – annual cost of living increase (CPI index);
- create a rates appeal process for individual providers.