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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HCAF encourages providers to submit comments by January 14, 2025
HCAF
The Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage and Detailed Explanation of Non-Coverage are effective for use beginning January 1, 2025
HCAF
The report highlights that no recommendations were necessary due to the strong compliance observed
HCAF
These changes to the Home Health CAHPS survey introduce five updated measures to better capture patient experiences and improve the quality of care
HCAF
These updates, effective October 1, 2024, support the implementation of the new Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children program as directed by the Florida Legislature
HCAF
By staying proactive, home health agencies can safeguard patient safety, ensure continuity of care, and maintain trust throughout this recall
HCAF
The meeting centered on key priorities such as health care workforce development, patient care innovation, cost reduction, and technology integration
HCAF
This procurement covers approximately 88,000 children and aims to enhance care delivery for this critical population
HCAF
Agencies have until November 27, 2024, to appeal non-compliance findings for the 2025 Annual Payment Update
HCAF
The ruling relieves providers of the obligation to submit quarterly data on nurse availability and service locations
HCAF
Home health agencies can now report telehealth services during hospitalizations without claim rejection, enhancing care coordination
HCAF
System upgrade scheduled November 8-18 will halt new hire processing and background check access; providers should prepare for temporary changes
HCAF
The Clearinghouse will be offline from Friday, November 8, at 5:00 PM ET until Monday, November 18, at 8:00 AM ET
HCAF
The Caregiver Support Program provides clinical services, resources, and support to caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care
HCAF
Medicaid home care legislative and regulatory updates from the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care
HCAF
All licensed home health agencies that provide services to these children are required to complete and submit the assessment by November 1, 2024
HCAF
As part of the $717.1 million Live Healthy legislative package, the increase provides greater financial support for home health providers
HCAF
MACPAC will focus on self-directed HCBS programs, managed care accountability, automation in prior authorization, and strategies to address the HCBS workforce shortage
HCAF
The plaintiffs argue that critical services, including nursing and personal care, are being reduced or denied without adequate notice, violating federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act
HCAF
A state constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2020 mandates a $1.00 annual increase to the minimum wage until it reaches $15.00 in 2026
HCAF
Join the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for the upcoming webinar on Thursday, September 26 at 2 PM ET
HCAF
The Private Duty Nursing and Family Home Health Aide Services Coverage Policy will take effect on October 1, 2024
HCAF
Survey reveals provider insights, training progress, and key concerns ahead of Family Home Health Aide program launch
HCAF
Medicaid home care legislative and regulatory updates from the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care
HCAF
Providers urged to use updated tools to help patients navigate the reinstated Medicaid renewal requirements, with extended deadlines through December 2025
HCAF
Gain valuable insights on Medicare policies, provider enrollment, and strategies to ensure compliance for home health providers
HCAF
Recent findings from Alliant Health Solutions show significant variations in sepsis-related 30-day readmissions across 25 Florida communities, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and best practices to improve patient care
HCAF
The CDC’s comprehensive report highlights the operations, workforce, and patient demographics of home health agencies, revealing the challenges faced during the pandemic and the critical role of skilled care in improving patient outcomes
HCAF
Dangerous conditions are expected for the Florida Panhandle by Wednesday, including heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding along the I-10 corridor later this week
HCAF
The caregiver turnover rate in home-based care has surged by over 14% in the past two years, now standing at 79.2%
HCAF
The research explores who is served by home health in Medicare Advantage plans and utilizations rates for patients with different payers
HCAF
The reports reveals significant disparities in outcomes for dual-enrolled and Non-White patients in home health, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve equity and care
HCAF
Nearly 400 organizations nationwide are participating in the program, including 34 providers based in Florida…is your home health agency next?
HCAF
The health plans in question, AmeriHealth Caritas Florida, Inc. and Sentara Care Alliance, LLC, are contesting decisions by AHCA to deny them contracts for managing care for Medicaid recipients
HCAF
Explore presentation slide decks covering key topics that are shaping the future of our industry, including Medicaid Electronic Visit Verification, worker safety, and the impact of artificial intelligence in home care
HCAF
As Congress heads into recess until September 9, significant legislative and agency activities have taken place that are crucial for the Medicaid home-based care community
HCAF
By participating in this survey, Medicaid providers can influence federal policy decisions that impact the accessibility and quality of Medicaid home care
HCAF
This edition features a message from the Medical Director, details about an upcoming webinar for skilled nursing facilities, and assistance for Medicare providers affected by Hurricane Debby
HCAF
Business owners are encouraged to self-report any physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby
HCAF
Join the forum for key updates on Home Health Grouper software, performance reports, appeals processes, and quality reporting programs, followed by an open Q&A session
HCAF
Guidance on the documentation process for home health recertifications involving a change in the certifying physician or non-physician practitioner
HCAF
October 1, 2024, is the go-live date for implementation of the HHAeXchange EVV system as the state's contracted vendor
HCAF
There will be a two-month grace period from July 15, 2024, to September 14, 2024, during which both the old 2013 forms and the new 2023 forms will be accepted for new applications and renewals
HCAF
2024 data book highlights modest growth in the number of home health providers and over $2 billion reduction in spending since 2011
HCAF
Florida took 288 final actions against Medicaid managed care plans. All but one resulted in liquidated damages.
HCAF
The 2024-25 budget earmarks $6,669,424 to elevate the personal needs allowance for ALF residents from $54 to $160 per month
HCAF
Regardless of development, this system looks to bring increasing rain chances across much of East Florida by mid-to-late week
HCAF
The FAQs explain key terms and essential elements of the Expanded HHVBP Model, helping home health agencies navigate the program effectively
HCAF
This edition covers a range of issues including disputes over opioid settlements, Medicaid terminations, proposed rules on facial coverings, and collaboration between long-term care associations
HCAF
This update allows the use of "pseudo-patients" in training scenarios where actual patients do not exhibit all the conditions covered in the curriculum
HCAF
Governor DeSantis is seeking individuals who possess executive-level experience in health care organizations, hold nursing or physician licenses, represent the long-term care facility industry, or advocate for health care patients' interests within the state
HCAF
Industry professionals urged to continue advocacy efforts to safeguard against further Medicare cuts
HCAF
As part of the extension, CMS will remove "Choice 3: Minimal Review with 25% Payment Reduction" from the initial choice selections
HCAF
Effective April 17, 2024, trainees will receive a formal DOEA-branded certificate upon completing the training
HCAF
New regulation raises salary minimums for exempt workers, sparks debate over methodology and litigation risks
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
Medicaid providers are encouraged to participate in upcoming rule workshops and submit feedback
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
The Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center will provide intensive technical assistance to state agencies and facilitate peer-learning collaboratives
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
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 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
Senate President Passidomo unveils "Live Healthy" initiative as committees discuss key legislation and budget proposals
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
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
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
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
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
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
SB 152 is designed to provide support to caregiving youth across the state in light of the ongoing health care workforce shortage
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
The system provides essential patient data through various applications in times of emergency declaration
HCAF
The Biden administration issues waivers for health care providers, special enrollment opportunities for hurricane victims, and more
HCAF
Medicaid provider issues and the upcoming 2024 Florida legislative session were among the discussion topics
HCAF
Take the pre-knowledge check, register, and submit your questions today
HCAF
PEPPER is an educational tool that summarizes provider-specific data statistics for Medicare services that may be at risk for improper payments
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
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
Completing the survey is mandatory for home health agencies during each biennial renewal, and failure to submit it will lead to licensure denial
HCAF
53% of Medicare-certified home health agencies retrieved the report as of the fourth quarter of 2021
HCAF
ACTs are intended to open the communication channels between Medicare home health providers and Palmetto GBA
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
For this refresh, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be based on the standard number of quarters
HCAF
The finalized rules allow a registered nurse to delegate additional tasks to certified nursing assistants and home health aides
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
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
Home Health Prospective Payment System Grouper Software April 2023 update released, PDGM claim edit enhancements revised
HCAF
The webinar will provide an overview of behavior changes, the construction of 60-day episodes, and payment rate development
HCAF
Several topics are clarified in the fact sheet, including vaccines, testing, and treatments, telehealth services, and access to health care
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
CMS is accused of improperly administering Medicare's home health benefit in a class action lawsuit
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
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
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
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
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
New measures will help ensure people with Medicaid receive high-quality, cost-effective, person-centered services in the setting of their choice
HCAF
New regulations coming soon that govern the training and delegation of tasks by registered nurses to home health agency staff
HCAF
Medicare officials still deliberating requirements for non-physician practitioners to document their scope of practice and relationships with physicians
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
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
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
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
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
We're entering the third week of the 2022 Legislative Session, so it is a busy time in this policy sphere
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
Florida Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers are advised to act quickly to put into place policies and procedures to comply with the mandate
HCAF
The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act preserves almost $2 billion in payments
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
Experts warn that employers should be prepared to respond quickly to achieve compliance that should be necessary in the future
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
Medicare Claims Processing Updates Specific to the Notice of Admission and Patient Discharge Status
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