The Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care (PMHC), of which HCAF is a proud member, is a collaborative organization that represents home care agencies, associations, managed care organizations (MCOs), payers, and business affiliates. PMHC's mission is to enhance the quality and integrity of home and community-based services (HCBS) through dedicated policy advocacy and the development of cost-effective solutions. This update is courtesy of PMHC, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing home care across the nation.

As Congress takes a break for the August recess, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are actively campaigning with their vice presidential nominees, while Democrats wind down the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. With the fiscal year ending on September 30, the House Freedom Caucus has urged lawmakers to approve a continuing resolution that would extend government funding into 2025, aiming to avoid a last-minute omnibus spending bill. Both the House and Senate are scheduled to return from recess in the second week of September.

Congressional Update

On August 7, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a field hearing in Pittsburgh focused on the challenges faced by caregivers. During the hearing, Senator Casey engaged with several Pennsylvanians, including a home care worker from Coal Center, Penn., and emphasized his commitment to supporting caregivers and expanding access to essential services. You can watch the hearing here.

Administration Update

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) recently released an issue brief titled “Prior Authorization in Medicaid,” providing an overview of how Medicaid programs and MCOs use prior authorization to manage costs and ensure care quality. Read the full brief here.

MACPAC also published a separate issue brief on access to long-term services and supports for Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities. The brief analyzes health status, service use, and experiences with HCBS for this population, revealing generally positive outcomes. Read the full brief here.

In Case You Missed It

• KFF Article: KFF published an article titled “The Collision of Medicaid World Views,” which explores differing perspectives on Medicaid policy on Capitol Hill and among the general public. The article highlights how Republicans are more likely to view Medicaid as a “welfare” program, while Democrats see it as public health insurance. Read the full article here.
• NASEM Report: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released a report on expanding participation in the behavioral health care workforce within Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace plans. The report addresses challenges such as inadequate insurance coverage, fragmented delivery systems, and workforce shortages, issues that have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find the report here.