Morrisey tries to increase number of in-home caregivers through Medicaid rate increase

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Medicaid rate increases for home and community‑based services providers who take care of individuals who are elderly and disabled, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals living with traumatic brain injuries. 

West Virginia uses state and federal money from Medicaid to reimburse county senior centers and private companies that employ direct care workers who help low-income residents remain in their homes.

“This rate increase reflects our commitment to protect and uplift West Virginia’s most vulnerable residents,” Morrisey said in a news release Oct. 3. “My administration will continue making investments in our state’s health care system to increase access and improve outcomes for West Virginians.”

The rate increase is meant to improve pay for direct care workers, who currently earn around $13 an hour, but there is no requirement on how providers spend the money. 

Brad Story, CEO of the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, said that West Virginians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) “deserve the opportunity to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities.” 

Without the rate increase, Story said that services that help them do that would be at risk.

“We are extremely grateful to Gov. Morrisey and his administration for the rate increase and investment in our community and home-based providers,” he said on Monday. “This is a great step in the right direction to lessen the strain on our providers and families across the state. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the state to strengthen every corner of behavioral health in West Virginia.” 

Former Gov. Jim Justice announced a similar rate increase last year in hopes of increasing the number of in-home caregivers. The state has dealt with a shortage of workers who can help seniors or people with developmental or intellectual disabilities remain in their homes, which is also a cost-saving measure for the state compared to institutionalized care.

A 2023 survey said West Virginia needed to increase its rate of reimbursement and the worker salary range to $15.50-$18.60 per hour; Justice’s rate increase reflected the study’s recommendations. 

The state Department of Human Services oversees several waiver programs that allow adults and children using Medicaid to remain home with family, and caregivers can receive help with care services.

In a news release, human services Secretary Alex Mayer said Morrisey’s rate increase ensured providers would “have the resources to deliver high-quality services, helping individuals live with dignity and independence. These investments are vital to the health and future of our state.”

“West Virginians deserve care that allows them to remain in their homes and communities, supported by family and providers they know and trust,” Mayer said.