At the time of the initial needs assessment as provided in La. Rev. Stat. 40:2474, and during each subsequent assessment, the department shall establish a monthly budget for the services to be provided in the plan of care.  Providers of home health care shall be paid in accordance with the usual procedures of the Medical Assistance Program.  However, the monthly cost of providing home health care to each person participating in the program shall be less than one hundred percent of the total monthly Medicaid rate that normally would be paid to a nursing home for a comparable level of care for such person in a nursing home.  If an assessment of the person’s needs demonstrates that he requires care that would exceed such monthly maximum in any one month, the secretary or his designee may authorize payment of such services, provided the total annual expenditures for services rendered shall be less than the one hundred percent maximum.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 715, §1.  Acts 1987, No. 760, §1, eff. July 16, 1987.