Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed mandatory paid sick leave requirements. We value and support our caregivers and understand the importance of paid sick leave. However, implementing this mandate without a corresponding increase in Medicaid reimbursement creates an unfunded financial obligation that many home care providers cannot sustain.

Home and community-based services allow thousands of elderly and disabled Virginians to remain safely in their homes while reducing the need for more costly institutional care. In fact, home care is one of the Commonwealth’s most cost-effective long-term care options. If Medicaid-funded agencies are forced to reduce services or close because of unfunded mandates, more individuals may require nursing facility placement, increasing costs to the Commonwealth while limiting access to care.

I respectfully ask that Medicaid-funded personal care providers either be exempt from this requirement or that the Commonwealth provide an appropriate increase in Medicaid reimbursement to fully offset the additional costs. Without adequate funding, this mandate places the stability of essential home care services and the vulnerable Virginians who depend on them at risk.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue.