Provider Updates
Provider Updates
These updates support provider members by highlighting new resouces, trainings, policies and procedures, legislation, and programs. You will also find advice and guidance for providers. Subscribe to updates or see HCAF news announcements.
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Spanish language training video now available
HCAF
The final rule mandates at least 80% of Medicaid HCBS payments to go to direct care worker compensation
HCAF
HCAF effectively advocated for the passage of SB 2510 during the 2023 Florida Legislative Session
HCAF
Five health plans selected serve Medicaid population effective October 1, 2024
HCAF
Public hearings scheduled to gather feedback on new regulations
HCAF
Medicaid providers are encouraged to participate in upcoming rule workshops and submit feedback
HCAF
Join us on Wednesday, April 3 at 2 PM ET for home health policy updates
HCAF
State to request additional public input
HCAF
MedPAC unanimously recommends a 7% reduction in Medicare home health payments, while MACPAC calls for enhanced transparency and access in Medicaid managed care
HCAF
The survey focuses on the operational and financial dynamics between home health agencies and Medicare Advantage health plans
HCAF
CMS announced the availability of accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers and advance payments to Part B suppliers affected by claims disruptions due to the cyberattack
HCAF
Discover the latest insights and updates from the home care industry nationwide
HCAF
The Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center will provide intensive technical assistance to state agencies and facilitate peer-learning collaboratives
HCAF
Applicants must register an AHCA portal account to apply online
HCAF
The updated deadline for submitting nurse information for PDN services is now March 1, 2024
HCAF
Register today for timely Medicare home health provider updates!
HCAF
Alliant Health Solutions and collaborators launch comprehensive resource for providers and patients
HCAF
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo's initiative receives widespread support despite $116 million in funding reductions through amendments
HCAF
The town halls, each focusing on a specific specialty area, offer valuable insights and information to enhance your understanding of various topics
HCAF
Florida Senate unanimously approves Live Healthy health care package
HCAF
MedPAC's recommendation sparks concerns over significant spending reductions and puts the spotlight on advocacy for home health care support
HCAF
The final rule, which replaces the 2021 independent contractor rule, takes effect on March 11, 2024
HCAF
The rule development workshop will take place on Thursday, January 11 at 2 PM ET
HCAF
The report sheds light on the TEP’s input regarding health equity approaches, performance measures, measure weights, and performance reporting within the Expanded HHVBP Model
HCAF
Pivotal legislation aligns with HCAF's 2024 Florida Legislative Session priorities
HCAF
Over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas were distributed in the scheme
HCAF
Senate President Passidomo unveils "Live Healthy" initiative as committees discuss key legislation and budget proposals
HCAF
The mileage rate increases to 67 cents a mile, up 1.5 cents from 2023
HCAF
Spending on home health care amounted to $132.9 billion, propelled by contributions from private health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses, and Medicaid.
HCAF
Guidance emphasizes the potential of nurse registries and highlights significant federal funding from ARPA
HCAF
Kaiser Family Foundation report reveals national trends and sheds light on Florida's struggles
HCAF
AHCA announces temporary adjustment to payment schedule, returns to normal on January 11, 2024
HCAF
The updated final rule regarding the submission of workplace injury and illness information to OSHA will take effect on January 1, 2024
HCAF
Unanimous recommendation marks MedPAC's fifth consecutive year proposing Medicare home health rate cuts
HCAF
A public rulemaking hearing on the program is anticipated in early January 2024
HCAF
Budget highlights include $303.4 million for Medicaid provider reimbursement rate increases
HCAF
Home health agencies, along with other providers, will need to submit information on pay, benefits, turnover, and vacancy rates for nurses and direct care workers upon license renewal
HCAF
A roundup of recent home care industry news and views from across the country
HCAF
The recently mandated one-hour training video is now accessible online at no cost for affected long-term care providers, including home health agencies
HCAF
The update includes the introduction of a new claims-based measure
HCAF
Florida, positioned at 43rd place in the national ranking, falls into the fourth tier, among 11 states
HCAF
The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET, will address the potential impact of proposed health care workforce regulations on access to care
HCAF
The deadline for providers to submit comments is 5:00 PM ET on November 9, 2023
HCAF
Reports provide insights into outcome disparities related to social risk factors, such as Medicare-Medicaid dual enrollment status and patient race/ethnicity
HCAF
The report showcases the difficulty providers have had when tracking the various telehealth policy changes and related requirements that have occurred as a result of the PHE
HCAF
SB 152 will pave the way for enhanced support systems aimed at children and adolescents who find themselves in caregiving roles for family members requiring assistance
HCAF
Key updates and deadlines for Medicare providers
HCAF
SB 152 is designed to provide support to caregiving youth across the state in light of the ongoing health care workforce shortage
HCAF
The latest announcements and events for Medicare home health providers
HCAF
“I’m really tired of talking about payment policy and payment rates but it’s still essential to do so,” William A. Dombi, President of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice told members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care
HCAF
Guest article courtesy of Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.
HCAF
The update includes ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes effective from October 1, 2023
HCAF
Proposed rule could impact millions of workers and employees
HCAF
The system provides essential patient data through various applications in times of emergency declaration
HCAF
Important updates for Medicaid providers and encounters processing
HCAF
The Biden administration issues waivers for health care providers, special enrollment opportunities for hurricane victims, and more
HCAF
Small businesses are eligible to secure short-term, interest-free loans of up to $50,000
HCAF
Medicaid provider issues and the upcoming 2024 Florida legislative session were among the discussion topics
HCAF
AHCA to hold a rule development workshop on September 7 at 2 PM ET
HCAF
Take the pre-knowledge check, register, and submit your questions today
HCAF
21-day comment period ends on September 5 ahead of a final rule hearing on September 14
HCAF
Vital legislation introduced on August 4 in the U.S. House of Representatives
HCAF
PEPPER is an educational tool that summarizes provider-specific data statistics for Medicare services that may be at risk for improper payments
HCAF
Get the latest home care industry news from around the country
HCAF
The purpose of these webinars is to provide assistance to Medicare home health providers who are new to the Review Choice Demonstration
HCAF
Under new law, private employers with 25 or more employees must utilize the federal E-Verify system for all new hires, effective July 1, 2023
HCAF
About 140 children in the Medicaid program are in three nursing homes in Broward and Pinellas counties, according to the ruling
HCAF
HCAF was an original plaintiff in the nearly year-long dispute
HCAF
This program is designed to honor home health agencies that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care and services to their patients/clients
HCAF
HCAF expressed concern about the proposal to allocate at least 80% of Medicaid payments for personal care services, homemaker services, and home health aide services to direct care workforce compensation
HCAF
The draft of the proposed payment rule is expected to be officially published on July 10
HCAF
The deadline, initially June 30, is now December 31, 2023
HCAF
Completing the survey is mandatory for home health agencies during each biennial renewal, and failure to submit it will lead to licensure denial
HCAF
New federal legislation would prevent CMS from implementing the -7.85% reduction in 2024
HCAF
Get the latest home care industry news from around the country
HCAF
53% of Medicare-certified home health agencies retrieved the report as of the fourth quarter of 2021
HCAF
CMS to hold live-stream webinar on the July 2023 Interim Performance Report next month
HCAF
Health care providers among the sectors targeted in ransomware attacks
HCAF
Access resources to submit your comments by July 3, 2023
HCAF
Medicaid managed care plans are in the process of distributing
HCAF
ACTs are intended to open the communication channels between Medicare home health providers and Palmetto GBA
HCAF
CMS welcomes public comments on the NPRMs until July 3, 2023
HCAF
Final rule also enhances focus on quality measures for Medicare providers
HCAF
There is an expectation that the season will be less active than in previous years, however, competing factors have added greater uncertainty to the seasonal forecast
HCAF
Join home care advocates on Capitol Hill on September 19-20, 2023!
HCAF
For this refresh, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be based on the standard number of quarters
HCAF
Medicaid HCBS providers face June 30, 2023, spending deadline
HCAF
The finalized rules allow a registered nurse to delegate additional tasks to certified nursing assistants and home health aides
HCAF
Get the latest before the Public Health Emergency expires on May 11, 2023!
HCAF
Posters with updated Fair Labor Standards Act and Family and Medical Leave Act information become effective on May 2, 2023
HCAF
Provisions most important for home health providers relate to acceptable coverage criteria, prior authorization, utilization management, behavioral health, marketing, and health equity
HCAF
CMS proposes to require that at least 80% of all Medicaid payments be spent on compensation to direct care workers
HCAF
For this refresh, the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be based on the standard number of quarters
HCAF
A variety of data elements from over 11,000 home health agencies are now publicly available
HCAF
Mandatory use of the new form begins on June 30, 2023
HCAF
Agenda topics include updates on the Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model, QAO Performance Reports, and more
HCAF
3.95% reduction in Medicare home health payments for 2023 prompted Congress to mandate the webinar
HCAF
Program designates awards to well-performing home health agencies based on survey performance and other criteria
HCAF
Stakeholder feedback is welcome on regulations allowing direct care workers to perform additional tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse
HCAF
COVID-19 public health emergency scheduled to end on May 11, 2023
HCAF
Florida Community Care EVV services to transition to HHAeXchange effective April 3, 2023
HCAF
Home Health Prospective Payment System Grouper Software April 2023 update released, PDGM claim edit enhancements revised
HCAF
Register now for the March 22 webinar
HCAF
The webinar will provide an overview of behavior changes, the construction of 60-day episodes, and payment rate development
HCAF
Tools, news, and timely insights for Medicare home health agencies
HCAF
Several topics are clarified in the fact sheet, including vaccines, testing, and treatments, telehealth services, and access to health care
HCAF
Applications are due May 31, 2023
HCAF
Home care advocates unite to share real-world stories about how home care has benefited your patients/clients
HCAF
Ask Congress to enhance investments in Medicaid home care services with just a few clicks of your mouse!
HCAF
7 members of Florida's 29-member delegation selected to serve on key committees
HCAF
Agenda topics include the 2023 payment rule, updates on value-based purchasing and quality reporting, and more
HCAF
Biden administration releases updated fact sheets and other supporting resources to prepare for changes that will occur beginning on May 11
HCAF
3 now-shuttered South Florida nursing schools sold more than $100 million worth of fake nursing diplomas, leading authorities to charge more than two dozen people, according to federal prosecutors
HCAF
Reporting Period 4 deadline to submit a report is March 31, 2023
HCAF
Home health agencies will be required to complete the survey at every license renewal
HCAF
Ending the PHE to change how the virus is treated, downgrading it from a pandemic to an endemic public health threat to be managed through the standard actions of the federal government
HCAF
The legislation seeks to invest in Medicaid home- and community-based services and expand access to telehealth services
HCAF
Topics discussed include Medicare payment policy, value-based purchasing, quality updates, and more
HCAF
New resource provides an update for reporting claims-based quality measures and more
HCAF
Agenda includes the Expanded HHVBP Model, OASIS-E, and more
HCAF
The Research Institute for Home Care 2022 Home Care Chartbook provides a detailed overview of the home health landscape that includes data on demographics and organizational trends
HCAF
Agency to create new rules within Chapter 59A-8 of the Florida Administrative Code
HCAF
Commission found that Medicare home health agencies had a 24.9% average profit margin in 2021
HCAF
Voting closes at 5:00 PM ET on December 21, 2022
HCAF
Updates discussed include the Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model, claims processing changes, and the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems for Medicare providers
HCAF
State lawmakers will convene the next Florida Legislative Session on March 7, 2023
HCAF
Key topics include the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) program
HCAF
Please complete a brief survey about the Medicaid minimum wage mandate
HCAF
Exit marks the first secretary-level departure in the DeSantis administration
HCAF
Public comments welcome as health plans prepare to bid for contracts
HCAF
Additional doctor and clinician facility affiliation information now included
HCAF
Most recent extension of the PHE occurred on October 13, 2022
HCAF
Reports provide data on home health agency quality measure performance in comparison to providers nationally within peer cohorts
HCAF
Agenda topics include the 2023 Home Health Prospective Payment Rate Update Final Rule, Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model, and more
HCAF
Nationwide expansion will be effective January 1, 2023
HCAF
CMS to enact $635 million behavioral rate cut for home health agencies next year
HCAF
Home Health Quality Reporting Program exceptions granted for Q3-2022 and Q4-2022
HCAF
Agenda includes a panel discussion on streamlining delivery of home- and community-based services
HCAF
Providers and stakeholders are welcome to participate in the workshops either in-person or by phone
HCAF
Extension ensures that policies for home health providers will continue
HCAF
CMS will identify error conditions, send new informational responses, and reprocess some Notices of Admission
HCAF
New rule seeks to preserve essential worker rights and provide consistency for regulated entities, including home health agencies and nurse registries
HCAF
Fines come as enrollment in the Medicaid managed care plans reaches an all-time high
HCAF
CMS is accused of improperly administering Medicare's home health benefit in a class action lawsuit
HCAF
Take action to enhance investments in Medicaid HCBS with just a few clicks of your mouse!
HCAF
E-PLUS is a cloud-based software solution built for public health, emergency management authorities, and other entities to fill information gaps during public health emergencies and disasters
HCAF
Reports reflect results from CAHPS surveys conducted between April 2021 and March 2022
HCAF
Medicare Notice of Admission and home health updates on the agenda
HCAF
Fee-for-service home health providers can apply for a waiver on the Hurricane Ian 1135 waiver web portal
HCAF
AHCA adjusts Medicaid reimbursement rates prior to the October 1 implementation of the $15 minimum wage mandate
HCAF
Topics discussed included value-based purchasing, quality reporting, and provider preview reports
HCAF
Value-based purchasing, quality reporting updates among agenda items
HCAF
U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (R-Jacksonville), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Miami), and Gus Bilirakis (Palm Harbor) back the Preserving Access to Home Health Act
HCAF
Letter calls on Governor DeSantis to maintain access to care for our most vulnerable citizens and foster a strong network of Medicaid providers in Florida
HCAF
Performance report webinar recording, August FAQs, new resources posted
HCAF
Home health and hospice face-to-face telehealth waivers to remain in effect through the 151st day following the end of the public health emergency
HCAF
New FAQs and program updates available
HCAF
47% of Florida home health agencies downloaded the report as of Q4-2021
HCAF
Most waivers and broad flexibilities to terminate at the eventual end of the PHE
HCAF
Certain provisions in H.R.4826 particular would come at a cost for home care providers that would likely result in loss of access to care or increased financial burden on their patients
HCAF
OSHA plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register to implement the ETS
HCAF
Download a customizable template to submit for your organization
HCAF
Learn about the two expanded performance feedback reports by registering now
HCAF
The minimum wage for Medicaid workers will increase to $15 on October 1, 2022
HCAF
2023 Medicare payment rule proposal on the agenda
HCAF
AHCA finalizing fee schedules as managed care plans prepare to increase provider payments
HCAF
Tell your elected officials to support the Preserving Access to Home Health Act!
HCAF
New measures will help ensure people with Medicaid receive high-quality, cost-effective, person-centered services in the setting of their choice
HCAF
Document provides guidance on OASIS questions that were received by Medicare help desks
HCAF
New regulations coming soon that govern the training and delegation of tasks by registered nurses to home health agency staff
HCAF
Questions asked and answered as state prepares to distribute funds
HCAF
Agenda included 2023 home health proposed rule
HCAF
Proposed rule would reduce payment rates by 4.2%, or $810 million less than 2022 rates
HCAF
Federal government recently announced deadline extension through March 2025
HCAF
Medicare officials still deliberating requirements for non-physician practitioners to document their scope of practice and relationships with physicians
HCAF
Share your story and make a difference!
HCAF
Program to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to more than 50 professionals when buying their first home beginning June 1, 2022
HCAF
Advisory lays out recommendations for health care organizations, insurers, technology companies, policymakers, academic institutions, researchers, and communities to address health worker burnout and ensure their well-being
HCAF
Joint letter co-signed by more than 200 organizations across the nation
HCAF
Access on-demand video and written resources courtesy of CMS
HCAF
Effective April 1, 2022, the 1% sequestration payment adjustment will be applied for claims with dates of services from April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022
HCAF
Weigh in on Medicaid, state policies to help HCAF effectively advocate for the provider community
HCAF
Report shows that total performance scores were 7% higher among agencies in HHVBP states than agencies in non-HHVBP states in 2020
HCAF
Topics discussed include OASIS-E, Public Reporting, Home Health CAHPS, and Value-Based Purchasing
HCAF
Part C plans must use cost sharing that does not exceed cost sharing in original Medicare for home health services for plans with a mandatory maximum out-of-pocket amount
HCAF
Renewal ensures health care providers have continued flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
HCAF
AHCA has yet to announce the distribution formula that it will use to disburse the funds or when providers can expect to receive them, despite the application period ending two months ago tomorrow
HCAF
From Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:59 PM ET, providers who did not submit their Reporting Period 1 report by the deadline may request to submit a late report if certain extenuating circumstances exist
HCAF
Agenda includes home health and hospice quality and public reporting updates
HCAF
CMS anticipates April 4, 2022, as the implementation date of the fix
HCAF
Recapping Policy Outcomes That Impact the Florida Home Care Providers
HCAF
The deadline to use these Period 2 funds was December 31, 2021
HCAF
HCAF announces new online form to streamline provider feedback about state-level issues
HCAF
Comment Deadline is April 22, 2022
HCAF
Regulatory hearing to take place online on April 27, 2022
HCAF
Providers encouraged to carefully review the "Services Provided" values that display on these reports
HCAF
Package extends existing telehealth flexibilities for 151 days beyond the end of the public health emergency
HCAF
The Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 (H.R. 6823) would expand and improve expand the home- and community-based services programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs
HCAF
All signs point to an on-time departure for the Florida Legislature this coming Friday as House and Senate budget negotiators worked over the weekend to put the finishing touches on a new spending plan
HCAF
Effective April 1, 2022, any claims subject to pre-claim review (PCR) that are submitted without a PCR decision will be subject to the 25% payment reduction
HCAF
Legislators approve Senate proposal for $273.6 million increase to Medicaid rates, raising employee wages to at least $15 an hour
HCAF
OASIS, claims processing issues, and more updates for Medicare home health agencies
HCAF
Agenda includes claims processing, CAHPS, and quality reporting updates for home health providers
HCAF
2,479 home- and community-based services providers submit application to receive one-time federal funding
HCAF
Legislation Now Awaits Governor DeSantis' Approval
HCAF
Programs will provide an in-home or smaller care setting than traditional institutionalized long-term care for veterans
HCAF
In a recent report, the Office of Inspector General found that Medicare improperly paid some claims for home health services with 5–7 visits in a payment episode
HCAF
Agencies must submit an exemption request by March 31, 2022
HCAF
Program integrity policies added, references to RAPs removed
HCAF
We're entering the third week of the 2022 Legislative Session, so it is a busy time in this policy sphere
HCAF
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in the largest health care at home study to date
HCAF
Flexibilities for Medicare and Medicaid providers granted an additional 90 days
HCAF
The long-awaited decisions regarding the Biden administration’s vaccine mandates have finally arrived from the U.S. Supreme Court
HCAF
Access the bimonthly newsletter for post-acute care providers from the Medicare Beneficiary- and Family-Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) for 29 states
HCAF
As federal vaccination mandate regulations near enforcement, a decision from the Court is expected very soon
HCAF
Stay ahead of the curve and in the know with these recent home care news stories
HCAF
Florida Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers are advised to act quickly to put into place policies and procedures to comply with the mandate
HCAF
All providers must apply by February 14, 2022
HCAF
The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act preserves almost $2 billion in payments
HCAF
Medicare quality reporting and OASIS updates for home health agencies
HCAF
State survey agency directors that it has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement of the vaccine mandate rule due to the preliminary injunctions that are in effect
HCAF
Medicare's Supplemental Medical Review Contractor conducting post-payment review of claims for home health services billed on dates of service from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020
HCAF
10 states win a temporary injunction as Florida legal challenge makes its way to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
HCAF
The roughly $1.7 trillion social spending package contains substantial implications for the future of home and community-based services in the United States, as well as training and development of the direct care workforce
HCAF
Exemption forms now available for workers following the recent special legislative session
HCAF
Experts warn that employers should be prepared to respond quickly to achieve compliance that should be necessary in the future
HCAF
State to invest more than $669 million to directly address ongoing workforce challenges
HCAF
Claims processing issues, quality reporting updates, and more for home health providers
HCAF
HCAF's months-long advocacy efforts result in one-time provider stipends and worker retention payments
HCAF
Letter comes after multiple meetings with state health policy officials about costly, unnecessary enrollment requirements
HCAF
Home health payment rates to increase by 2.6% with no change to the behavioral adjustment as the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing demonstration expands nationwide
HCAF
Facilities that receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than 11:59 PM ET on November 10, 2021
HCAF
This latest renewal will last for 90 days, at which point it will lapse or be renewed again
HCAF
Federal government to host webcasts to offer guidance to providers
HCAF
Application deadline is October 26, 2021
HCAF
Medicare Claims Processing Updates Specific to the Notice of Admission and Patient Discharge Status
HCAF
Palmetto GBA announced the program began again effective September 1, 2021
HCAF
“We have dodged some RCD bullets over and over again,” Bobby Lolley, Executive Director of HCAF, told Home Health Care News
HCAF
The CY 2022 Home Health PPS Proposed Rule will be reviewed, among other topics relevant to Medicare providers
HCAF
Health care providers are encouraged to use this new website to understand the threat of ransomware, mitigate risk, and in the event of an attack, know what steps to take next
Kyle Simon
Three new target areas have been added to address new risks associated with the Patient-Driven Groupings Model
Patti Heid
Funding will help health care organizations establish a culture of wellness among the workforce and will support training efforts that build resiliency
HCAF
Plan calls for stipends and retention payments to recruit new workers and increase the retention rates of the direct care workforce
Kyle Simon
During the period of the emergency standard, covered health care employers must develop and implement a COVID-19 plan to identify and control COVID-19 hazards in the workplace
Kyle Simon
Federal government announces limited extension on providers’ use of funds and additional clarification on reporting requirements
Kyle Simon
Effective June 8, Medicare will pay providers an additional $35 per dose for administering the COVID-19 vaccine in the home for certain beneficiaries who have difficulties leaving their homes or are hard to reach
Kyle Simon
Medicare Administrative Contractors may now begin conducting post-payment medical review for later dates of services
Kyle Simon