Governor Newsom announced last week that by February 1, 2022, health care workers and all employees in high-risk congregate settings, including those providing in-home care will be required to get their COVID-19 booster shot. In the interim, all health care staff that have not received their booster must test for COVID-19 twice weekly until they are up to date on their vaccines.

HCAOA's state chapters got right back into the swing of things - safely! - after meeting virtually for all of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Here's a peek at just some of them in action.

​On Monday, as the state experienced an Omicron variant-driven surge in coronavirus cases to a positivity rate of almost 11%, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced plans to distribute three million COVID-19 rapid tests and six million N95 masks in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19 during the heavy travel and holiday season.

​Debate continues on Capitol Hill about the Build Back Better Plan, however one area where there is no debate is about the importance of home and community-based services. HCAOA encourages all members to take just a minute and send a message to their Senators asking them to support the expansion of Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in the plan. The Senate could vote when they return after the new year, and HCAOA wants to make sure they are flooded with messages from the home care industry.

​“Never let the things you can’t do stop you from doing what you can.” – former President Ronald Reagan
 
The past two years have been hard. 2020 hit us with the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 witnessed us working hard to navigate a new normal and come back. However, you, and the invaluable work you and your staff do for older adults and their families, and individuals with disabilities continually inspire the Home Care Association of America. We have walked alongside many of your organizations and have watched as you have fully embodied the quote above.

​We are committed to strengthening you - our members - through advocacy, education and research for the advancement of home care. Though COVID is not gone yet, the opportunities for and recognition of our industry abounds now more than ever before.

Steven Landers, MD, MPH, President & CEO of VNA Health Group, has been at the forefront of exploring ways to address the “people problem” in the U.S. healthcare industry, where there aren’t enough available caregivers to meet the needs of the public. He recently posted a blog suggesting that addressing education, immigration, and regulation is key to solving this crisis. 

​HCAOA encourages all members, before they begin holiday celebrations with family and friends, to please take just a minute this week to send a message to Senators asking them to support the expansion of Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in the Build Back Better plan. In the news this week, it seems that this proposal might not have the votes it needs to pass. However, the Senate is set to vote when they return after the holiday, and HCAOA wants to make sure they are flooded with messages from home care providers on this issue.

​HCAOA and Associate Member National Enrollment Services (NES) want to remind member agencies about a benefit that could provide a tax credit refund for you and your staff. NES assists member agencies with employee earned income tax credits and voluntary benefit programs.