Adult Day: Action Needed on DWRS Rates

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

Legislation to fix a cut in the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) rates is advancing this session, but needs support from adult day providers to keep the momentum going when the Minnesota Legislature returns from its spring break next week.  

We first covered this issue in the March 13 issue of Advantage, when the budget forecast dealt a potential financial blow to adult day services and other providers who serve people with disabilities. An update to the DWRS was implemented on July 1, 2017 that included previously approved increases, but DHS has indicated that they will take those factors out of the rates effective July 1, 2018. 

Note: This issue does not impact Customized Living for disability waiver rate clients because those rates are not part of the DWRS. 

A legislative fix to base DWRS rates on wages in the metro area, use those rates statewide and update rates every two years instead of every five years has bipartisan support and made key committee deadlines. This legislation is needed, as it will help adult day providers invest in workforce, increase frequency and predictability of scheduled rate adjustments, and -- most importantly – help individuals remain in their homes rather that live in more expensive settings. 

Adult Day members should contact their lawmakers and tell them to support legislation to fix the DWRS. TAKE ACTION TODAY!