Current Actions

Defend Medicaid Access: Advocate for Legislation Preventing Home Care Service Cuts

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

On April 22, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule. This rule mandates that 80% of Medicaid payments for specific services, including homemaker services, home health aide services, and personal care services, must be allocated to direct care worker compensation (referred to as the "80-20 provision"). However, the narrow definition of "compensation" excludes essential overhead costs, potentially compromising its effectiveness. Without accounting for provider expenses such as training, background checks, worker's compensation, mileage reimbursement, and other associated costs, this one-size-fits-all provision poses a threat to access to critical home and community-based services (HCBS). Vulnerable populations may be particularly affected if Medicaid providers withdraw due to financial unsustainability.

Fortunately, Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) has introduced legislation (H.R.8114) to prevent CMS from implementing the 80-20 provision mandate. HCAF reaffirms its dedication to advocating for policies that acknowledge the realities faced by home care providers while ensuring equitable access to quality care for all Medicaid recipients.

Please take action by urging your U.S. Representative to cosponsor this vital legislation and prevent the enforcement of the 80-20 provision.

Advocate for Enhanced Occupational Therapy Access in Medicare Home Health

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Occupational therapy (OT) services are currently the only skilled service that does not automatically qualify a beneficiary for Medicare’s Part A home health benefit. This limitation means that OT services cannot be provided in a beneficiary’s home unless nursing or other therapy services are simultaneously ordered at the start of care. This restriction has created disparities in home health services, limiting patient access to essential care and hindering their ability to recover and thrive in their homes.

The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act (H.R.7148) aims to address these disparities by allowing OTs to be ordered as standalone home health services for Medicare beneficiaries.

Take action now by reaching out to your elected officials and voicing your support for this crucial legislation!

Protect Access to Care: Oppose Medicare Home Health Cuts

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a 2.98% cut to home health services in its 2024 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) Final Rule. This reduction compounds last year's nearly 4% cut, spelling trouble for patient access and financial stability in home care provision. Notably, the finalized rule only allows for a minimal year-over-year base rate increase, equating to less than $1 per day for caring for Medicare's sickest patients.

These cuts worsen an already precarious situation for providers and patients, particularly with the current 76% referral rejection rate. Fortunately, Congress is actively considering legislation to mitigate these cuts, and your support is crucial in this effort.

The Preserving Access to Home Health Act (S.2137/H.R.5159) would:

Halt CMS from implementing certain permanent and temporary payment reductions in the near future. Despite stakeholder feedback, CMS's interpretation of budget neutrality under the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) has resulted in significant payment reductions, resetting base payment rates to unsustainable levels. This bill would revoke CMS's authority to make these cuts based on flawed budget neutrality methodologies.
Direct MedPAC to analyze the Medicare home health program comprehensively. This provision mandates MedPAC to review Medicare payment policies' impact on healthcare service delivery beyond Medicare, incorporating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and other payer trends. It also ensures transparency in MedPAC's calculations and updates Medicare home health cost reports with visit utilization and payment data.

Please reach out to your elected representatives and urge them to support this critical legislation. Your advocacy can play a pivotal role in safeguarding essential home health services for those who rely on them.

Support the Better Care Better Jobs Act to Enhance Investments in Medicaid Home Care Services

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

The Biden administration is proposing significant investments in Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS), aiming to improve access to care at home and address workforce shortages in health care. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) have carried out this proposal in legislative form with the Better Care Better Jobs Act (S.100/H.R.547).

Medicaid HCBS is improved in several ways by this legislation. First, it provides funding to state Medicaid programs to prepare them for enhanced investment, and second, it increases the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) specifically for Medicaid HCBS by 10%.

In order to qualify for the enhanced 10% FMAP, states would be required to provide coverage for personal care services; expand supports for family caregivers; adopt programs that help people navigate enrollment and eligibility; expand access to behavioral health care; improve coordination with housing, transportation, and employment supports; and develop or improve programs to allow working people with disabilities to access HCBS.

In addition, the bill would strengthen and expand the HCBS workforce by addressing HCBS payment rates to promote recruitment and retention of direct care workers; regularly updating HCBS payment rates with public input; passing rate increases through to direct care workers to increase wages; and updating and developing training opportunities for this workforce as well as family caregivers.

Lastly, the legislation would permanently authorize protections against impoverishment for individuals whose spouses are receiving Medicaid HCBS and make the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration permanent.

Support the Credit for Caring Act for Family Caregivers

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

The Credit for Caring Act of 2024 (S.3702/H.R.7165) is a vital lifeline for family caregivers across the nation, offering crucial financial support when they need it most. Introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, this legislation presents a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible working family caregivers, easing their financial burdens and enabling them to provide essential care without sacrificing their own well-being. Moreover, it establishes a non-refundable tax credit adjusted for inflation, ensuring sustained recognition of caregivers' invaluable contributions to society.

Every day, family caregivers confront daunting financial challenges, with caregiving expenses often consuming over 25% of their income. Many are forced to deplete their savings, reduce retirement funds, or even abandon careers to fulfill caregiving duties. S.3702/H.R.7165 addresses these urgent issues head-on by providing much-needed financial assistance, empowering caregivers to continue their noble work while safeguarding their financial stability.

Your voice is pivotal in championing this crucial legislation. Reach out to your elected officials today and urge them to support the Credit for Caring Act. Together, let's ensure that family caregivers receive the recognition and support they deserve as they tirelessly care for their loved ones.

Lend Your Support to the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Introduced by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the Direct Support Professionals Act (S.1332/H.R.2941) tackles the pressing shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) in the home care sector. This groundbreaking legislation, passed by the Senate on March 20, 2024, aims to bolster the quality of care for clients and patients by implementing comprehensive solutions to address the DSP shortage.

The Direct Support Professionals Act seeks to heighten awareness of DSPs, aiding policymakers in addressing the shortage by directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Standard Occupational Classification system, establishing a distinct code for DSPs. This seemingly simple adjustment could:

Enhance Data Collection: By refining the Standard Occupational Classification system to designate a specific code for DSPs, the legislation enables precise tracking of workforce trends. This equips policymakers with accurate insights to pinpoint areas of shortage and develop targeted interventions.
Tailor Workforce Training: Armed with a deeper understanding of DSP workforce requirements, both state and federal entities can implement customized training programs to furnish DSPs with the requisite skills to meet local demands. This ensures individuals receive top-tier care from adept professionals.
Provide Recognition of DSPs' Unique Role: Formalizing a distinct classification for DSPs acknowledges the pivotal role these workers play in supporting individuals within the home care sector. This recognition underscores the necessity of investing in the DSP workforce to effectively address shortages.

DSPs serve as the linchpin of our nation's home care system, furnishing invaluable assistance to individuals under the care of home care, home health, and hospice providers. Despite their indispensable contributions, a severe shortage of DSPs persists nationwide, profoundly impacting the quality of care and independence of those in need.

By establishing a separate code in the Standard Occupational Classification system, this legislation pledges to elevate the quality of care individuals receive, empowering them to thrive independently in the comfort of their homes — their preferred setting.

Take action by contacting your federal representative and encourage their support for the House companion bill, H.R.2941, championed by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), which garners bipartisan support and has the potential to amplify the transformative impact of this pivotal legislation.