 An executive order was released last week that undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, including their children, may remain in the U.S. while applying for permanent residence. Prior to this change, undocumented spouses were required to return to their home country to complete the application. HCAOA supports immigration reform to address the workforce shortage in the home care industry. This new policy could allow this demographic to enter the workforce at an expedited pace, providing an additional source for new employees.
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By Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.
According to a recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, healthcare is one of the most dangerous places to work. Homecare field staff members who provide services on behalf of private duty agencies, hospices, Medicare-certified home health agencies, and home medical equipment (HME) companies may be especially vulnerable. Contributing to their vulnerability is the fact that they work alone on territory that may be unfamiliar and over which they have little control. Staff members certainly need as much protection as possible.  Nominations are now open for the 2024 HCAOA Caregiver of the Year Award. HCAOA encourages EVERY ONE OF OUR 4,300+ member agencies to nominate at least one caregiver deserving of recognition. It's an opportunity to recognize and honor the top caregivers nationwide who provide care and services at home. Their unwavering compassion, dedication, and exemplary service deserve this acknowledgment.
 Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging announced that it would hold a joint, full committee hearing entitled “Heroes at Home: Improving Services for Veterans and their Caregivers.”
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. Exciting News for Tennessee PSSAs - Governor Signs Medication Self-Administration Bill into Law4/24/2024  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.
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[email protected] | sitemap
© 2025 Home Care Association of America. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy