Opinion ID: 1787098
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: The Cap Allows the Fund to Keep Provider Assessments to a Reasonable Level

Text: ś 284. The damage cap has also allowed the Fund to keep provider assessments low. Between fiscal year 1995-96 and fiscal year 2001-02, the Fund increased assessments only once. [55] In another year, there was no change in assessments. In the remaining five years, assessments decreased. [56] ś 285. The majority plainly states that one of the legislative objectives was to keep provider assessments to a minimum. After examining the data, despite its best efforts the majority is powerless to conclude that this objective has not been met. Accordingly, as the data do not support the answer the majority sought, the majority simply recasts the inquiry: In any event, as we explain below, a reduction in the assessments is not necessarily germane to the legislative objectives.... Majority op., ś 154. How can the majority make this claim after stating earlier in the opinion that keeping assessments low was itself one of the legislative objectives? ś 286. From an accounting perspective, it should be clear that the level of the assessments is tied in some way to the financial health of the Fund. As the Fund's stability and assets increase, the assessments will go down. As already noted, the majority's removal of the cap will decrease the economic health of the Fund, and likely increase the provider assessments.