State Chapter News

Connecticut: Chapter Continues Advocacy for Medicaid Rate Increase
The HCAOA Connecticut State Chapter continues to advocate for an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for home care providers. In a major disappointment, the Department of Social Services recently posted on its website a modest increase in reimbursement and then withdrew it, purportedly to await the results of its provider rate cost survey and study. Joe Markley of Companions & Homemakers has led the advocacy efforts of the Chapter’s DSS Medicaid committee, forming a coalition of organizations supporting an increase, drafting a letter to the Governor in support and lobbying state officials.  

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Separately, DSS Connecticut Medical Assistance Program Workshops are available to program participants who need refresher training and understanding of the 2020 updates in the waiver program and claim submission process. Virtual classroom training is available Nov. 5, 9 and 13. Click here for more information and to register.

Michigan: Health Department Issues Emergency Orders and Guidance on Face Coverings and Gatherings
In light of the Michigan Supreme Court’s October 2 order nullifying more than 100 of the governor’s COVID-19 executive orders, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to issue health-related orders to protect Michigan residents. On October 5, MDHHS issued an order requiring face coverings in most public settings and limiting the number of individuals who could attend certain types of “gatherings.” On October 6, the department issued three orders relating to mandatory reporting of COVID cases in school settings, and restrictions for congregate care, residential care, and juvenile justice-related businesses. Most recently, on October 9, the MDHHS issued a second order on face coverings and gatherings, continuing to prove that it intends to issue emergency health orders in line with what Michigan businesses previously saw under the governor’s executive orders. 

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Ohio: Monitoring Legislation to Permit Caregivers to Enter Long-Term Care Facilities
The HCAOA Ohio State Chapter is monitoring a proposed bill (HB 770) that would permit essential caregivers to enter long-term care facilities to provide care and support to a resident during the COVID-19 state of emergency. There is some concern about uniform policies being imposed on facilities, giving individual companies or operators the ability to outline and enforce their own guidelines. 

The Ohio Chapter is currently pursuing licensure for home care providers in the state. One benefit of licensure is a seat at the table on discussions like HB 770. Home care was not consulted about the legislation during its development.

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