The Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) recently played a key role in the development of a newly published consumer resource from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) designed to help Floridians better understand home care services and provider types across the state.

The updated Care at Home consumer guide — now available on AHCA’s public-facing consumer webpage — reflects substantial content and policy recommendations submitted by HCAF during our quarterly leadership meeting with AHCA in October 2025. The resource provides clear, accessible information to help individuals and families navigate in-home care options and make informed decisions.

During HCAF’s 12th Annual Home Care Warm Up winter conference, AHCA Deputy Secretary for Health Quality Assurance Kimberly Smoak publicly recognized HCAF’s contributions to the guide and the association’s leadership in advancing consumer education and transparency.

A Clear, Consumer-Focused Overview of Care at Home

The guide begins by explaining what home care is, the types of services that may be provided in the home, and common situations in which Floridians may need care — from post-hospital recovery to ongoing disability support and assistance for older adults.

It then walks consumers through the full continuum of home care provider types in Florida, including home health agencies, nurse registries, registered homemaker and companion service providers, independent caregivers, home medical equipment providers, and hospices.

Each provider category is clearly described, including what services may legally be performed and what level of oversight exists.

Side-by-Side Comparisons That Improve Understanding

One of the most impactful elements — developed with significant HCAF input — is a series of comparison charts that break down:

• Services offered by each provider type
• Whether personal care is permitted
• Who employs or refers caregivers
• Supervision and accountability
• Insurance requirements
• Background screening
• Training standards
• State oversight and inspections

These tables clearly illustrate the major differences between licensed home health agencies, nurse registries, homemaker and companion services, and independent caregivers — helping consumers understand not just cost and convenience, but safety, protections, and accountability.

Guidance on Skilled Services and Patient Rights

The guide also explains key consumer protections related to skilled home health services, including:

• The requirement for a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse order
• Development of a formal plan of care
• Licensed professional assessments
• Ongoing reviews and updates

Consumers are reminded of their right to participate in care planning and receive copies of their treatment plans.

Practical Tools for Choosing a Provider

To further support informed decision-making, the guide includes:

• A comprehensive checklist of questions consumers should ask before selecting a provider
• Verification tools for licensure and credentials
• Oversight resources and complaint reporting options

This section directly reflects HCAF’s longstanding advocacy for clear disclosures and consumer education.

Clear Information on Paying for Care

The resource outlines payment options and eligibility considerations, including:

• Medicare home health coverage requirements
• Medicaid programs and waivers
• Private insurance and long-term care insurance
• Self-pay services

It also explains which services are typically not covered and where consumers can seek free assistance navigating benefits.

Part of HCAF’s Broader Consumer Protection Strategy

HCAF’s work on the AHCA consumer guide directly aligns with our broader policy agenda to improve transparency, accountability, and consumer understanding across the in-home care continuum.

That same focus is now advancing through Senate Bill 1068 and House Bill 1013, sponsored by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami) and Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) — HCAF’s top legislative priority for the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

The bipartisan legislation:

• Establishes standardized consumer disclosures
• Prevents misleading marketing
• Strengthens oversight and accountability
• Preserves access to care

Together, the AHCA consumer guide and SB 1068/HB 1013 advance the same goal: ensuring Floridians receiving care at home have clear information, meaningful protections, and confidence in the services they choose.

Continuing to Lead on Transparency and Consumer Education

HCAF appreciates AHCA’s collaboration and recognition of the association’s expertise in shaping this important consumer resource. The guide represents a meaningful step forward in improving public understanding of in-home care in Florida — and reinforces the importance of consistent standards and transparency across provider types.

HCAF looks forward to continuing to work with AHCA, legislative leaders, and stakeholders throughout the 2026 Legislative Session to advance SB 1068/HB 1013 and strengthen consumer protections for care delivered in the home.