Home Care
Summary of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
January 17, 2025The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law on January 2, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality and accessibility…
Delayed VA Payments from Optum
January 17, 2025Providers of VA services may have experienced delayed payments for 2025 dates of service in recent weeks. The delay was due to Optum needing additional time to test the new…
DOH RSV Notice
January 17, 2025Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is rapidly increasing in PA, especially in young children and older adults who could be protected by vaccinations. The Department of Health recommends that providers should…
ODP Bulletins & Key Updates
January 17, 2025Calling All Home-Based Care Agencies: Participate in the 2025 Activated Insights Benchmarking Report Survey
January 17, 2025Join the hundreds of providers nationwide improving the industry by participating in the 2025 Activated Insights Benchmarking Report. Your confidential responses will help shape industry dialogue across North America and…
Action Needed: Help Shape the Next 5-Year State Plan
January 17, 2025The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is developing its next 5-year State Plan. To understand the current barriers and concerns for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Pennsylvania,…
New Sliding Fee Scale for SCEs of Act150 Participants
January 17, 2025The 2025 Act 150 Sliding Fee Scale Bulletin (54-25-01, 59-25-01) has been posted to the Bulletins webpage on the Department of Human Services (DHS) website with an effective date of January 1, 2025. The…
Are you currently training Home Health Aides (HHAs) at your agency? If so, here’s your chance to elevate your efforts and be reimbursed for the training you’re already conducting! If…
Employers Must Post OSHA Form 300A by February 1st and Submit Electronically by March 2nd
January 17, 2025As a reminder, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules require most employers to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA requires covered employers to complete forms throughout…
LTSS Subcommittee Recap: January 8, 2025
January 17, 2025On January 8, 2025, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) held the LTSS Subcommittee meeting. OLTL updates were presented by Jermayn Glover, Chief of Staff for the OLTL, Jen Hale,…
Level Up Your Expertise: Upcoming Education Sessions
January 17, 2025Explore our upcoming education sessions to gain fresh insights, practical solutions, and actionable strategies for success. From compliance essentials and workforce recruitment to operational efficiencies and pediatric care, these sessions…
Celebrate Excellence in Home-Based Healthcare with Magic Moments
January 17, 2025PHA and Caribou Rewards are proud to announce Magic Moments, a year-round program honoring the dedicated professionals who bring compassion and excellence to home-based healthcare in Pennsylvania. What is Magic…
Up to $2,500 in Grant Funding for Agencies Servicing Perry, Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams Counties!
January 17, 2025Thanks to the generous support of the Partnership for Better Health, the Pennsylvania Foundation for Home Care and Hospice is thrilled to announce the extension of the South Central PA…
ODP Bulletins & Key Updates
January 5, 2025ODPANN 24-128: New American Sign Language English Interpreter Service Interpreter service is available to individuals in the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers starting January 1, 2025. It…
OLTL Issues Reminder on Critical Incident Reporting
January 5, 2025The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Critical Incident Management Unit continues to monitor provider compliance with critical incident management guidelines. Following identified compliance concerns, OLTL is issuing this reminder alongside…
Save the Date! Strong as Steel: Forging the Future of Homecare at PHA’s 2025 Annual Conference
January 5, 2025Get ready for three power-packed days of connection, learning, and growth at the Pennsylvania Homecare Association’s 2025 Annual Conference. Set against the backdrop of historic Bethlehem’s steel city heritage, this…
Join a PHA Committee in 2025!
January 5, 2025Are you passionate about advancing home care, home health, and hospice? Joining a PHA committee in 2025 is your chance to collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to innovation in…
Reminder: Action Required to Designate Your My Learning Center Administrator by January 11, 2025
January 5, 2025Exciting updates are coming to PHA’s My Learning Center (MLC) platform, soon to be powered by Nevvon! As part of our continued efforts to enhance user experience and make training…
Medicare FFS Improper Payment Rate Announced for FY 2024
December 20, 2024CMS has released the national Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) improper payment rate for FY 2024, as reported in the HHS Agency Financial Report. The improper payment rate stands at 7.66%, representing…
ODP Bulletins & Key Updates
December 20, 2024See below a summary of key ODP bulletins and updates released since our last Connections edition: The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has been expanded to include Medically Complex Conditions…
CMS Approves CHC Waiver Renewal – Effective January 1, 2025
December 20, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Office of Long-Term Living’s (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver renewal. The renewal is effective January 1, 2025. The current…
Get Ready for the Re-Launch of the My Learning Center
December 20, 2024Exciting updates are coming to PHA’s My Learning Center (MLC) platform, soon to be powered by Nevvon! As part of our continued efforts to enhance user experience and make training…
NEW: 2025 Recruitment Transformation Challenge
December 20, 2024Unlock top talent with our 2025 Recruitment Transformation Challenge! This learning series delivers actionable recruitment strategies from industry expert Leigh Davis, whose job posts were ranked #1 and #2 by…
On December 10, 2024, the Senate passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4776). The legislation was sent to the House where it is currently reported as…
What’s Behind Our Budget Request?
December 20, 2024Every year the Commonwealth’s budget process presents its own unique obstacles, and this year is no different. No matter how much revenue Pennsylvania has, balancing and delivering on priorities, and…
Grassroots Campaign: Sign up to Advocate for Needed Rate Increases!
December 20, 2024As 2024 draws to a close, 2025 reimbursement rate advocacy is ramping up! With another tight budget year ahead, the need for amplified and regular grassroots advocacy in your local…
PHA Hires Public Relations Firm to Support 2025-2026 Budget Request
December 20, 2024In support of our ongoing efforts to advocate for meaningful reimbursement rate increases, PHA has officially engaged Global Strategy Group (GSG) to help amplify our message. GSG brings a wealth…
Happy Holidays from PHA!
December 20, 2024We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, business partners, and board members for your unwavering support and dedication. Your commitment has been the cornerstone of our success. Wishing you…
Renew Your Membership & Advocate With Us in 2025!
December 20, 2024Renew your membership with the Pennsylvania Homecare Association and be part of a transformative year! We need your commitment and dedication to advocate for meaningful change to reimbursement rates and…
Renew Your Membership for an Exciting 2025 with PHA!
December 8, 2024It’s time to renew your membership with the Pennsylvania Homecare Association for the 2025 calendar year! 2025 will be a pivotal year for advocacy, putting your membership dollars to work….
Share a Home Care Patient Story
December 8, 2024PHA is seeking member support to share patient stories to support 2025 advocacy efforts. Stories can be shared directly by a patient or by a representative who is willing to…
This November, a federal judge in Texas blocked enforcement of the federal government’s overtime rule, determining that the Department of Labor exceeded its authority in increasing the minimum salary for exemption…
CMS Updates Medicaid Eligibility Standards for 2025
December 8, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates to Medicaid income and asset standards effective in 2025. Key changes include: Access the bulletin with full details https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib11152024.pdf.
OLTL Rate Study: Results to Be Released in February
December 8, 2024At the December 4 Long Term Services and Supports Sub Committee meeting, the Office of Long-Term-Living (OLTL) announced that the long-awaited rate study results . . . will have to…
CHC System Bug Affects MCO Assignment Accuracy
December 8, 2024The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PADHS) has identified a bug in its eligibility system, affecting the assignment accuracy of CHC-MCOs for existing Community HealthChoices (CHC) participants. This issue may…
OLTL Adds Chore & Teleservices to CHC
December 8, 2024The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) announced new services available January 1, 2025, due to the CHC Waiver Renewal and OBRA Waiver Amendment. These include Chore Services (CHC only), Teleservice…
ODP Bulletins & Key Updates
December 8, 2024See below a summary of key ODP bulletins and updates released since our last Connections edition: ODPANN 24-114: Now Open: Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course The Office of Developmental…
Introducing PHA’s Caregiver Resource Hub
November 17, 2024Caring for others is a rewarding but challenging job, and Pennsylvania’s caregivers deserve every tool available to make their work easier and more fulfilling. That’s why we’ve created the Caregiver…
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Non-Discrimination Notice Requirement
November 17, 2024On May 5, 2024, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued in the Federal Register a final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination on…
ODP Providers: Here’s What You Need to Know!
November 17, 2024Here’s a quick rundown of essential updates for providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities, including announcements from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and a survey opportunity from Penn State…
CMS Leadership National Update: November 20, 2024
November 17, 2024Join the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, and her leadership team, who will provide an update on CMS’ recent accomplishments and how their…
TAKE ACTION: Make Home Care A Priority in Upcoming Budget
November 3, 2024Direct care workers are Pennsylvania’s frontline caregivers, yet the Commonwealth’s funding lags behind all of our neighbors— including being nearly 25% behind West Virginia. This underfunding limits the ability to…
November 14th Event: Empowering Caregivers: A Discussion Hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women
November 3, 2024On Thursday, November 14th, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and the PA Department of Aging will host an in-person AND virtual event Empowering Caregivers: A Discussion Hosted by the…
LTSS Subcommittee Convenes November 6th: Reviews FINAL CHC Waiver Renewal and OBRA Waiver Amendment
November 3, 2024On November 6th, the LTSS Subcommittee will convene, with an important update from the Office of Long-Term Living reviewing the FINAL changes resulting from the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver renewal…
REMINDER: OLTL Provider Survey Due November 15th
November 3, 2024Contribute valuable insights that will shape future payment rates! The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has re-opened the Calendar Year 2023 Rate Study Survey to support the ongoing OLTL rate…
ODP Updates
November 3, 2024Stay informed with these key updates released by ODP in October: ODPANN 22-083: ODP ARPA Grant Fund Reimbursement Deadline Extension The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has provided important updates…
HCBS Quality Improvement Funding Opportunity
November 3, 2024The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is offering funding to improve Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for Adult Daily Living providers and Specialized Medical Equipment…
Regional Meetings: Now Headed to Philadelphia!
October 20, 2024The recent Regional Meetings in Cranberry Township and our Virtual session were a resounding success! With over 150 attendees across both events, we saw excellent participation and engagement from our…
Introducing the first-of-its-kind Homecare Benchmarking report, presented by Caribou, PHA, and HHAeXchange
October 20, 2024In the ever-evolving homecare industry, understanding key performance metrics is crucial for agencies to thrive and provide the highest quality of care. To support Pennsylvania’s home care agencies, the Pennsylvania…
Are You FLSA Compliant with Travel Time, Break Time, and Off Duty Time? Turn on this HHAeXchange Feature!
October 20, 2024Consider this scenario: A home care worker has a 30-minute gap between two clients. It takes them 15 minutes to travel between the two cases. You already know that the…