​HCAOA Advances Key Priorities in Washington Meetings

​Last week, HCAOA’s government relations team was on Capitol Hill to meet with federal officials and congressional staff, advocating on program integrity, the W-2/agency model for home care delivery, and the Medicaid Access Rule.

Program integrity remains a focus at the federal level. HCAOA met with officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — including leadership from the Center for Program Integrity — as well as staff from the White House Domestic Policy Council. In both meetings, the association made the case that the W-2/agency employment model provides meaningful safeguards through strong documentation and oversight. Both CMS and White House officials confirmed that program integrity is a top administration priority, with CMS Administrator Dr. Oz having already sent letters to all 50 states regarding revalidation of high-risk providers.

HCAOA also shared its position on the Medicaid Access Rule's 80/20 provision, which requires that at least 80% of Medicaid payments for home- and community-based services go directly to worker wages. The association noted that the provision would weaken program integrity by pulling resources away from administrative functions.

On Capitol Hill, HCAOA met with offices of House members active on caregiving issues, discussing both the 80/20 provision and pending legislation that would increase Medicaid funding for home- and community-based services and provide state resources for caregiving workers, as well as other elements to help the caregiving workforce.

Separately, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 16 Senate Democrats in unveiling an initiative to improve access and affordability for long-term care. The letter outlines three policy goals: making home care more affordable and accessible, improving quality of care in nursing homes, and strengthening the long-term care workforce. Home Health Care News interviewed CEO Jason Lee in its coverage of the initiative.
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HCAOA continues to emphasize the message that home care is a bipartisan issue, and the association welcomes opportunities to work with both parties to strengthen access and affordability.