The New York Department of Health (DOH) has released guidance outlining the due dates for Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs), Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MMCOs), Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs), and Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) to submit compliance certifications and statements related to the Home Care Worker Wage Parity Law (WPL).

This year’s pre-conference session at HCAOA’s National Conference in Chicago on Sunday, October 22, focuses on state chapters and engagement with HCAOA at the national level. “State Chapters – Action, Advocacy & Networking” is about members getting involved with legislation and regulations at the state level, which is important because that’s where home care agencies are licensed, but it’s equally important to be engaged with your lawmakers at the federal level.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has successfully reenrolled nearly half a million children and families in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) coverage, fixing an error that was causing improper disenrollment. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identified a state systems issue that was improperly disenrolling individuals, even when they remained eligible based on available information. CMS stated that measures were in place that would prevent further improper disenrollments.

A recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) warns that the termination of payments to family caregivers, which were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, may intensify workforce shortages in Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS). Over 4 million individuals rely on Medicaid HCBS, making it a vital program for elderly and disabled Americans. Medicaid spent approximately $162 billion on HCBS in 2020, out of a total of $245 billion in HCBS spending, as Medicare generally does not cover these services.

The deadline to submit a nomination for the HCAOA Board of Directors is THIS FRIDAY, September 29! There are nine open seats - six for independent agency members and three for corporate member representatives.

​The following minimum criteria will be in effect for all candidates:

The September 30 deadline to secure your hotel for the 2023 HCAOA National Home Care Conference is just THREE DAYS AWAY. Prices will increase on October 1, so if you are attending or are planning to attend, make your hotel reservation today to secure the discounted rate of $229 plus tax per night at the Hilton Chicago.

Home-based care leaders seeking to become buyers must familiarize themselves with the legal transaction lifecycle to avoid common pitfalls. The mergers & acquisition (M&A) transaction lifecycle typically includes three phases: strategy and sourcing, due diligence and execution, and integration. During due diligence and execution, legal counsel becomes involved, and this phase is critical for success.

Vicki Hoak, HCAOA’s CEO, was interviewed by Scripps News regarding the surge in demand for in-home care in the U.S. Hoak discussed how the demand has been driven by a growing aging population and a desire among Americans to age in the comfort of their homes. She noted by 2030, there will be more people over 65 than under 18, highlighting the need for in-home care services. Despite an increase in the number of home care workers over the past few decades, the demand for these services has outpaced supply.

A new program to support dementia patients and caregivers is set to launch July 2024. This webinar will explore the new federal program — Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model — that will reimburse providers managing dementia care for patients and their caregivers.

September 27, 2023, 2 p.m. ET

Register for the webinar HERE.

On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $15.00 per hour to $15.69 per hour as a result of the state’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment. The newly enacted adjustment is required under Public Act 19-4, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index (ECI).

Are you attending the 2023 HCAOA National Home Care Conference in Chicago but haven’t booked your hotel room yet? Act quickly! The September 30 deadline for the special discounted hotel reservation rate of $229 plus tax per night at the Hilton Chicago is approaching fast. To secure this discounted rate, please visit the 2023 HCAOA Conference hotel reservation page or call (312) 922-4400. Be sure to mention your attendance at the HCAOA National Home Care Conference when making your reservation. After September 30, the hotel room rates will increase, so don't wait any longer to secure your accommodations.

A bill called "Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023" (S.2785) was introduced on September 13, 2023, to increase the federal minimum wage to $11 an hour over the next four years. The legislation also includes a provision mandating using E-verify to ensure that the wage increase benefits only legally eligible workers. The bill aims to adjust the minimum wage for inflation every two years and offers a slower phase-in for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. This bill is a renewed attempt to raise the minimum wage after a similar proposal in 2021 did not gain traction in the Senate. Many states already have higher minimum wage rates, which automatically adjusts at regular intervals.

​On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that non-medical homecare agencies are approved providers for the purpose of CNA recertifications. However, this was not the case two months ago when Credentia, the vendor for the department, had removed home care agencies as approved providers. Now that the issue has been resolved, CNAs who work for home care agencies and were unable to renew their license will be notified by Credentia in the coming weeks.

​HCAOA is proud to announce the Top 16 Finalists for the 2023 Caregiver of the Year Award.  The overall Caregiver of the Year will be announced during the 2023 National Home Care Conference [https://www.hcaoa.org/national-home-care-conference.html] on October 24, 2023. The Caregiver of the Year will receive a $2,000 cash award and an all-expenses paid trip to Chicago for the conference to be recognized in front of industry leaders.

Nominations are now being accepted for nine open seats on the HCAOA Board of Directors - six for independent agency members and three for a corporate member representative. Nominations are due next Friday, September 29, 2023. Support the home care industry and affect the future of home care by applying to serve on the Board, which includes corporate and independent home care industry leaders to best represent the membership. The Board guides and influences the national conversation about home care, industry standards, workforce shortage solutions, affordability, and financing care.