Advocacy Win in West Virginia!

​Thanks to aggressive advocacy by the HCAOA West Virginia Chapter, the state’s HCBS reimbursement rate has been raised from $18.92 to $25.44, a 34.5% increase! This increase makes West Virginia’s rates more competitive with surrounding state rates, such as Kentucky (soon to be $29), Ohio ($29), Maryland ($31), Pennsylvania ($23 regional average), and Virginia ($23 regional average).

“We appreciate the hard work that Governor Justice and his staff put in to make sure the elderly people in our state that are in need of in-home care services will continue to have the opportunity to receive it in the most effective environment," said HCAOA WV Chapter Chair Eric Hicks. "This rate increase will allow providers of in-home care services to more effectively recruit and retain the caregiving professionals needed to help those in need of care to receive it in their homes.”

Matt Walker, HCAOA WV Legislative Chair, stated, “The Home Care Association of America's West Virginia Chapter thanks Governor Jim Justice, Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Cynthia Persily, Medicaid Commissioner Cynthia Beane, for being champions for home care patients and agencies, with this tremendous investment to stabilize and support West Virginia’s home care system! The decision made by these health care leaders will impact West Virginia seniors and those with disabilities for many years to come, allowing these people to live safe, happy, and healthy lives at HOME as they age. Home is where West Virginians want to be!”

The state also increased rates for the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waiver programs.

These increases follow a Myers & Stauffer rate study recommending dramatic increases so that West Virginians can continue to receive care in their homes, their preferred setting. 

West Virginia Watch interviewed Eric Hicks, West Virginia’s Chapter Chair, to discuss this advocacy win.