HCAOA Legislative Committee Meeting Highlights

Yesterday, HCAOA’s Legislative Committee met to discuss federal and state legislative issues impacting home care organizations across the country. 
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​Congress passed the American Rescue Plan last week. One aspect of this bill especially important to the home care industry is the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) increase to 10 percent for states to make improvements to Medicaid home and community-based services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be holding a webinar on April 7 to talk more about this increase. CMS will send out guidelines to states in regard to the FMAP soon.

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The committee also discussed the passing of the PRO Act in the House of Representatives last week. HCAOA is continuing our grassroots efforts in the Senate to oppose the legislation.

​The Credit for Caring Act, which was in the last session, is expected to be reintroduced next week by Senators Joni Ernst and Mike Bennett, and Representatives Linda Sanchez and Tom Reed. In addition, Senator Amy Klobuchar has introduced the – Americans Give Care to Elders (AGE) Act, which would also provide family caregiver tax credits. The difference between the two bills is that the AGE Act requires the taxpayer to reside with the senior. The Homecare for Seniors Act, another HCAOA supported bill from last session, will also be  reintroduced later this month. The bill would allow individuals to use their Health Saving Account to pay for home care.