Increases wages for direct support professionals serving Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina.

North Carolina S239 aims to address the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) by increasing their wages. The bill provides a $5 hourly wage increase for DSPs in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years. It mandates that at least 90% of the funding from this increase be used to boost DSP pay. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) will adjust capitation rates for local management entities/managed care organizations (LME/MCOs) to implement these wage increases. LME/MCOs can recoup funds if providers do not use the increase for DSP pay.

Increases wages for direct support professionals serving Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina.

North Carolina S239 aims to address the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) by increasing their wages. The bill provides a $5 hourly wage increase for DSPs in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years. It mandates that at least 90% of the funding from this increase be used to boost DSP pay. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB) will adjust capitation rates for local management entities/managed care organizations (LME/MCOs) to implement these wage increases. LME/MCOs can recoup funds if providers do not use the increase for DSP pay.