equal-access-payment-rates

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not sufficiently address the methodology used to complete the narrow cost analysis or estimated cost of care, the variations in analysis, assumptions and data included in the methodology, or consideration of higher-quality care, as required by 98.45(f)(1)(ii). (Plan Questions 4.2.2a, 4.2.2b, 4.2.2c, and 4.2.2d) • The Lead Agency’s payment rates for infants in center-based care and infants in family child care homes are not sufficient to ensure equal access, as required by 98.45(a). (Plan Question 4.3.2a) Overall Target Completion Date: 08/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Complete narrow cost analysis. 09/30/2024 2 Provide responses to 4.2.2a,b,c, d and e to CCDF Plan. 01/31/2025 3 Submit request to NC General Assembly to implement rates recommended by the 2023 Market Rate Study (MRS). These rates would be at the 75th percentile of the latest MRS. 01/31/2025 4 After NC General Assembly approves and funds rate increases; submit change request to NC FAST and finalize business requirements for NC FAST. 11/01/2025 5 Release functionality in NC FAST and new policy to DSS/LPA workers via written policy document, share during Economic Programs Committee with DSS agencies, and incorporate training for new policy into county TA meetings and territory trainings. Provide written notice of the policy change to recipients and providers. 08/01/2026