Complete Story
12/30/2025
DeWine Signs Nursing Facility Quality Payment Legislation, Property Tax Reform Bills
Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 184 along with a package of five property tax reform bills, finalizing several measures with significant implications for aging services providers across Ohio.
HB 184: Prospective Change to Nursing Facility Quality Payments
For LeadingAge Ohio members, House Bill 184 carries the most immediate impact. The bill includes budget correction language that makes a prospective change to the nursing facility quality incentive payment formula, allowing the Ohio Department of Medicaid to continue using its existing methodology despite the Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling in State ex rel. LeadingAge Ohio v. Ohio Department of Medicaid.
The statutory change replaces the term “rate” with “cost per case mix unit” and applies only to future payments, taking effect 90 days after the Governor’s signature. The Supreme Court’s interpretation remains in effect for State Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, as well as the interim period between July 1, 2025, and the bill’s effective date. Lawmakers emphasized that the legislation does not address the underpayments identified by the Court.
LeadingAge Ohio will continue working with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to monitor implementation and pursue clarity and resolution related to past underfunding.
Property Tax Reform Package Enacted
DeWine also signed five bills—HB 124, HB 129, HB 186, HB 309, and HB 335—aimed at limiting sharp property tax increases tied to reappraisals. The reforms cap revenue growth from inside millage, adjust school district millage floor calculations, strengthen county budget commission authority, and expand property tax credits.
While primarily focused on residential property taxes, LeadingAge Ohio is monitoring potential downstream effects for senior housing providers, particularly those operating affordable or mixed-income communities.
LeadingAge Ohio will continue tracking implementation of both HB 184 and the property tax reforms and will keep members informed as additional guidance and agency actions emerge.
For questions, please contact Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org.