HCAOA State Advocacy Roundup

​HCAOA’s state chapters have been active throughout the country during various legislative sessions. Here are a few advocacy highlights from Ohio, Connecticut, and Wisconsin:

Ohio: Licensed at last!
In Ohio, HCAOA CEO Vicki Hoak has been hard at work helping finalize licensure requirements for home care agencies. National standards through licensure for the industry are one of HCAOA’s main priorities, and we are pleased to have accomplished this in Columbus.
 
Connecticut: Stopping the ban on non-solicitation clauses!
HCAOA and the Connecticut Chapter have been extremely active in trying to stop a bill that would prohibit a common business practice: contract clauses that help home care companies prevent poaching of their employees. Utilizing no-direct-hire provisions in contracts is a widely recognized and legal business practice that should be available to the home care industry.
 
Also of interest in Connecticut is a bill that would provide a state income tax deduction for home health care costs and one that would increase the rate of Medicaid reimbursement for home care services.
 
Wisconsin: Tax relief!
In Madison, HCAOA has seen major progress in achieving a home care tax credit, encouraging more people to use home care for themselves and their loved ones. The credit has bipartisan support, which is particularly important in Wisconsin.