A critical discussion on home care services took center stage at the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Health Care Financing meeting, where advocates urged the passage of House Bill 767 and Senate Bill 870. The primary focus was the urgent need to address the workforce shortage in home care, which has become a significant barrier for families wanting to keep loved ones at home.

Testifying on behalf of a coalition representing thousands of home care workers, a key advocate highlighted that current reimbursement rates are insufficient to attract and retain skilled caregivers. “Families want to keep loved ones at home, but we can't recruit enough workers because the current reimbursement rates don't let us offer competitive wages,” the advocate stated. This issue has been exacerbated by recent funding cuts, pushing caregivers to seek better-paying jobs in retail and hospitality.

The proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency in how reimbursement rates are calculated, ensuring that real costs—such as minimum wage increases and operational expenses—are taken into account. “For 13 years, home health aid rates stayed the same while costs rose significantly,” the advocate explained. The new process would allow providers to submit actual costs, enabling the state to set rates that reflect the true financial landscape of home care services.

Eliza Adams from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while the bills do not mandate specific rates, they would clarify the rate-setting process to better align with local laws and operational realities.

The advocates stressed that passing these bills is essential for retaining skilled workers and ensuring that Massachusetts families have access to the care they need. “We have the power to make that difference,” the advocate concluded, urging the committee to support the legislation without delay. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the future of home care services in Massachusetts, as families await a resolution to the ongoing workforce crisis.