As an employee at Rockbridge Area Health Center (RAHC) in Lexington, VA, I've seen firsthand how the demand for expanded services, particularly to meet the needs of our Medicaid beneficiaries, has significantly grown during my time here. To address these increasing demands, we've had to add more staff. 

Additionally, the rising costs of supplies and salaries necessary to serve our Medicaid population have not been met by corresponding reimbursement rates for these services. It’s crucial for us to ensure that we can continue providing high-quality care and meet the growing needs of the communities we serve.

The regulation 12VAC30-80-25:B.1 outlines that beginning October 1, 2001, and for each fiscal year thereafter, each Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or Rural Health Clinic (RHC) should receive a per-visit payment adjusted annually based on the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) for primary care services. The reimbursement should also account for any changes in the scope of services offered by the center.

In light of this, we are asking for the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to implement a process, as required by the Budget Bill-Item 288 WWWW, no later than January 1, 2025, to allow FQHCs to notify the department of changes in the scope of services we offer. Additionally, we request reimbursement for any unreimbursed costs incurred prior to this submission, as outlined by federal law.