CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s home health care workers will receive a raise.
Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources announced last week that the Medicaid program will dedicate additional federal dollars for higher wages and benefits. The funding accumulates to $240 million.
“These dollars will help recruit and retain the workforce serving home and community-based services, and provide the needed care for West Virginia’s senior citizens and individuals with disabilities,” Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch said during Friday’s coronavirus briefing.
According to Crouch, at least 85% of the funds would go toward workers as wages and benefits. Agencies would have until March 31, 2025 to spend the funds.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will have to approve this use of funds. State officials expect the money to become available in October.