Health Care

Survey: States increasing Medicaid pay for home-based care

The bump comes in response to their struggle to address workforce shortages.
In this photo taken Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, home health aide Maria Fernandez, left, pours cereal for Herminia Vega, 83, right, as she performs household chores for Vega and her husband. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Nearly every state has increased Medicaid payment rates for home- and community-based health care services in response to workforce shortages and other challenges that are hampering the country’s ability to care for an aging population, according to survey results released Tuesday by health policy research organization KFF.

All states that responded reported widespread shortages of home- and community-based workers, most frequently among direct support professionals, personal care attendants, nursing staff and home health aides.

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