Relates to Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural home health care providers

This bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural home health care providers to cover actual transportation costs incurred while delivering services in designated rural areas. It directly affects home health agencies providing in-home care to Medicaid recipients in rural locations, requiring reimbursement to include specific costs for rural service delivery beyond standard rates. The key provision mandates the health commissioner to develop separate methodologies for calculating these rural transportation costs, distinct from direct care costs, and apply this to all covered home health services, including those under federal waivers. This change aims to address financial barriers rural providers face due to higher travel expenses.