MDHHS Bulletin Provides Details on Medication Aide Costs Allowable on Cost Report

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued MMP 25-25 to inform skilled nursing facilities that medication aide certification, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices and certain surgical supplies are allowable costs on the SNF cost report.

Public Act 273 of 2023 outlines the requirements for the state to provide a medication aide certification and training program. The medication aide training and registration fees found in MCL – Section 333.21920 became an allowable support cost on the SNF cost report on March 7, 2024. Allowable costs include the fees for registration, training, examination and certification renewal for certified medication aide staff either paid directly by the nursing facility or reimbursed to the employee. Travel-related costs for staff to attend training or testing, or any costs the provider may incur in attempting to become a medication aide trainer or training site, are not allowed and will be removed from the cost report. Documentation may be required during the audit process.

In addition, as of December 1, 2024, the following items are considered allowable costs when medically necessary and ordered by a physician and may be included as part of the nursing facility per diem: BiPAP devices and some surgical supplies. Refer to the bulletin link above for more details.