BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is the latest to join a four-state coalition urging the federal government to withdraw a proposed rule that would stop third-party intermediaries from handling payroll deductions for union dues, health insurance and other benefits.
The attorneys general have submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asking the agency to withdraw its proposed rule, stating it would harm Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) by weakening their ability to bargain collectively, Healey's office said.
“This rule hurts home care workers and MassHealth consumers who depend on them for help with daily activities,” Healey said in a statement. “We vehemently oppose this latest attack on unions by the Trump administration.”
According to Healey, the HHS rule would disrupt the state's process by which it makes Medicaid payments to PCAs through third-party intermediaries allowing PCAs to elect to pay benefits through payroll deduction.
Healey said the state's collective bargaining agreement has resulted in higher wages and better training for PCAs and allows for a more stable and professional workforce from which people in need of critical services can hire.