07/06/2023

DeWine Vetoes 44 Items, Including Provider Rates, Assisted Living Bathrooms

Governor Mike DeWine vetoed 44 separate items ahead of signing the HB33, Ohio’s SFY2024-2025 budget bill ahead of the Monday midnight deadline. Among those vetoes were two pertaining to aging services:

• Veto 11 struck language related to provider rates, including references to $130 / day for assisted living waiver and language that would support $17 / $18 per hour wages for home health aides, personal care aides, and homemaker services.
• Veto 28 struck language from the bill that prohibited the Department of Aging from denying certification for assisted living waiver based on a private bathroom, citing “that it would unnecessarily lower the standard of care” for residents of assisted living facilities.

The veto of provider rates is consistent with the Administration’s previous position to oppose provider rates in statute; the Administration contends that it constrains the Departments’ ability to administer programs effectively.

LeadingAge Ohio reminds members that while the language was vetoed, the funding for enhanced provider rates remains in the budget, and we believe the Administration will fund the increases according to the legislative intent.

LeadingAge Ohio encourages members to join the next Advocacy in Action call Monday, July 10, 10:00AM for a full budget recap. Register for the call here. 

Questions may be directed to Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org.