By Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.

Noora Health has developed a program of “health companions” in a variety of types of healthcare settings (“Teaching Patients How to Heal,” The New York Times, April 14, 2024). The basis of these programs is that when medical information is properly communicated to patients and their families, complications of surgeries and illnesses are reduced. An added bonus is that acts of violence by frustrated family members against health care workers are reduced.

Last Friday, Gov. Bill Lee signed SB 1793 into law, allowing caregivers who have completed a competency-based training program to administer certain medications to individuals who are otherwise incapable of self-administration. HCAOA thanks the leadership of the Tennessee Chapter and all members who advocated and helped make this initiative a success by sending messages to their lawmakers as it moved through the Tennessee House. HCAOA also partnered with members of the Tennessee Association for Home Care (TAHC) to support this initiative.

As expected, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized their Medicaid Access Rule today. Among many other things, the rule includes a problematic provision that mandates that 80 percent of Medicaid reimbursement dollars paid to providers be allocated to caregiver wages. Although HCAOA supports certain aspects of this rule, the 80/20 provision will cause many Medicaid providers to either curtail services or cease providing services entirely, resulting in reduced patient access.

The Connecticut Appropriations Committee decided not to move forward with a home care provider registry.

A recent article published in HealthAffairs emphasized how the COVID-19 pandemic strained the already fragile direct care workforce, which led to closures of vital home and community-based services (HCBS) providers and placed additional burdens on family caregivers. The federal government deployed short-term funding and flexibility through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to stabilize the workforce, resulting in improved wages and workforce initiatives. However, these gains are now in jeopardy as the enhanced federal funds are depleted. To address this, policymakers must act swiftly to preserve recent progress and enhance workforce stabilization efforts. Insights from interviews and focus groups across states underscore the need for higher wages, improved training and support systems, and meaningful worker engagement in program development.

President Joe Biden highlighted the value of homecare during his State of the Union Address last week and, in his statement, said, “Imagine a future with paid leave because no one should have to choose between working and taking care of yourself or a sick family member. Imagine a future with home care and elder care so seniors and people living with disabilities can stay in their homes and family caregivers get paid what they deserve! Tonight, let’s all agree once again to stand up for seniors!”

Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Caroline) and Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire) and Congressman Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-California-28) introduced the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024 (S.3766). The bill would help inform Medicare beneficiaries and individuals applying for benefits under Medicare Part A or enrolling under Medicare Part B about the option to fill out a form to give Medicare permission to share their personal health information with a family caregiver through 1-800-MEDICARE. This authorization form helps family caregivers when they call 1-800-MEDICARE to assist their loved one or advocate on their behalf, saving family caregivers time and making it easier for them to interact with Medicare to support and assist their loved one.

Recently, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) reintroduced the Credit for Caring Act (S.3702), a bipartisan bill that would establish a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000, covering up to 30% of qualified expenses exceeding $2,000. These expenses cover vital aspects of caregiving, including home care aides, adult day care, home modifications, assistive technology, respite care, and transportation.

HCAOA member Bob Roth, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions, founded in 1994 and former HCAOA Board of Directors member, was recently awarded a grant of $419,210.06 – the ONLY home care agency out of 61 awardees. The grant will fund a partnership between Cypress and HCAOA Associate members Nevvon and PocketRN to empower family caregivers with training so they can better care for their loved ones, access to a virtual nurse to provide continuity of care, and monetary support for the family caregiver who often leaves their job to care for their family member.

Beginning February 29, the Washington State Department of Health announced that Prometric candidates will utilize a new Registration and Scheduling system (IQT) online portal to schedule and, if necessary, pay for their examination fees. A blackout period from February 14 to February 28, will prohibit exam scheduling, so do not submit exam payments to the Department of Health (DOH) after February 13, 2024.

HCAOA members Jeff Wiberg, CEO of Family Resource Home Care and HCAOA Immediate Past President, and Ari Medoff, CEO of Arosa, were interviewed by Home Health Care News to discuss how home care agencies have long grappled with a gray market, where an unofficial caregiver workforce operates. This "underground" network comprises individuals unconnected to formal home care agencies, often working independently and hired directly by clients or families. With the escalating cost of care provision, home care providers are facing heightened challenges, potentially exacerbating the situation.