Home Care
CMS Hosts Training Series for Medicaid Access Rule
September 20, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an upcoming training series on the home- and community-based services (HCBS) provisions of the Medicaid Access Rule. The HCBS provisions of…
Register for the next OLTL Rate Study Update: Oct 2
September 20, 2024On October 2, 2024, the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee meeting will feature a critical Mercer update regarding the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) rate study. PHA members are…
PHA Supports The National Alliance for Care at Home (NAHC-NHPCO) Commentary on 2025 HH PPS Rate Update
September 6, 2024The Pennsylvania Homecare Association recently signed on to a comment letter regarding the proposed 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System drafted by The National Alliance for Care at Home (Formerly:…
ODP Releases Final Increased Provider Rates
September 6, 2024The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released the following critical announcements outlining final fee schedule rates for all providers, as well as wage ranges and benefit allowances for Vendor Fiscal/Employer…
Last week, PHA held a hybrid EVV Compliance Collaborative event, with 225 attendees gathering to discuss crucial updates and strategies for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) compliance. A huge thank you…
85% EVV Compliance or Bust! New DHS Bulletins Released
September 6, 2024On August 23, 2024, an EVV bulletin was released by the Department of Human Services, with OLTL, ODP and OMAP Deputy Secretaries all signing on to the bulletin. The bulletin, entitled…
ODP Releases Final Increased Provider Rates
September 6, 2024The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released the following critical announcements outlining final fee schedule rates for all providers, as well as wage ranges and benefit allowances for Vendor Fiscal/Employer…
Aetna and HPP: LTSS Credentialing Contacts
September 6, 2024On August 22, 2024, The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced applicants selected through a Request for Applications (RFA) process to administer Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) program, the Medicaid managed care program that covers adults…
Highmark Announces Move to HHAeXchange for EVV
September 6, 2024Last week Highmark Wholecare shared a communication with its provider network announcing a transition to HHAeXchange effective November 1, 2024 from their current payer-sponsored Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system, Netsmart….
2024-2025 State of the Direct Care Workforce Report
September 6, 2024The direct care workforce is facing unprecedented challenges, as revealed in the newly released 2024-2025 State of the Direct Care Workforce Report by MissionCare Collective, a leading organization dedicated to helping companies strengthen…
National Alliance for Care at Home (NAHC), HCAOA, Polsinelli to host Home Based Care Legal Webinar
September 6, 2024Join Polsinelli, The National Alliance for Care at Home (Formerly: NAHC), and Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) on September 19, 2024 at 12 p.m. for a one hour legal update…
The Northeast Healthcare Coalition is hosting a FREE symposium on October 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Pocono Summit, PA. The…
Mission Moment: Jennifer Baker
August 23, 2024Want to be featured and inspire others with your Mission Moment? Click here to submit your Mission Moment.
Business Solutions: Save on Workers’ Comp Insurance
August 23, 2024Workers Compensation is the second highest cost for home care and home health providers next to payroll. PHA offers a self-insurance option that saves members up to 10% compared to…
Save the Date: Sept. 9 Mergers and Acquisitions Event & Webinar Series for Home Care Agencies
August 23, 2024Join us on September 9, 2024 for a FREE webinar kicking off our Mergers and Acquisitions series this fall. On September 9, CEO Mia Haney will share the story of her…
The PHA Job Board provides a powerful way to ensure your job postings stand out. For a limited time, you can upgrade to a Featured Listing at 50% off—saving $25….
HCBS Rate and Wage Study Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
August 23, 2024On August 21, 2024, the Office of Long-Term Living released the long-awaited FAQ from the July 18, 2024, HCBS Rate and Wage Study Provider Meeting. The FAQ includes responses from…
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) has requested assistance in filling the last two remaining membership slots….
Business Solutions Spotlight
August 16, 2024PHA is excited to announce a new partnership with Vitable Health, bringing our members an exclusive offer on QuantiFERON TB tests. Through this partnership, members can purchase TB tests quarterly…
Save the Date(s)! PHA Regional Meetings Return in October
August 16, 2024The PHA Regional Meetings are back this fall! All members are invited to participate in this free event to hear the latest industry updates, learn about PHA’s services, discover business…
Are you looking to expand your professional network and increase your visibility on LinkedIn? You’re in luck! Here are 10 tips for boosting your LinkedIn views and connections organically, ensuring…
My Learning Center: Recognizing Signs of Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, and Hypothermia
August 16, 2024Summer is still in full swing, and it’s important to stay informed about heat-related illnesses. My Learning Center offers a valuable training course on Recognizing Signs of Heat Stroke, Heat…
ODP released a QAI tool to ensure compliance when providers choose to utilize agency-developed or agency-identified training to meets the General Orientation and Annual Training requirements of the 55 PA…
As Pennsylvania prepares to move to an 85% threshold for EVV compliance on January 1, 2025, PHA is committed to helping you stay prepared. If you missed our review in…
Department of Labor Audits: The Price of Non-Compliance
August 16, 2024The Department of Labor (DOL) conducts audits to ensure that home care and home health providers comply with federal labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These audits…
Tell Congress to Stop the Medicaid HCBS 80/20 Pass-Through
August 10, 2024The recent Medicaid Access Rule finalized by CMS requires that by 2026 states implement a provision that no less than 80% of all Medicaid payments be spent on compensation for…
Last week, Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced that Pennsylvania will receive approximately $58 million in federal reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Money Follows…
OLTL will be hosting a Transportation Summit by Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Transportation Summit is an open forum for anyone…
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), along with Mercer Government Human Services Consulting, have released a provider survey to collect data to inform their ongoing rate study. PHA intends to…
Recap of July 30th CMS LTSS Open Door Forum
August 9, 2024On July 30, CMS hosted a Long-Term Services and Supports Open Door Forum. During the call, CMS reviewed the payment adequacy provisions of the Access Rule, with a particular focus…
PROMISe URL Domain Changes
August 9, 2024In accordance with DHS rebranding and the Governor’s Office Customer Service Transformation Initiative, the Office of Medical Assistance Programs will be implementing changes to the old URLs to reach PROMISe…
AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone First Provides PHA Clarification on Manual Edit Signature Requirements!
July 29, 2024PHA has been seeking clarification from AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone First (AC/KF) on what an acceptable participant signature is for purposes of documenting Manual Edits. In November 2023, AC/KF released guidance that…
Summary of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) Consumer Subcommittee Meeting
July 29, 2024The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) Consumer Subcommittee met on July 24 to review significant updates and achievements related to medical assistance programs. The meeting emphasized budgetary and policy victories,…
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be hosting the Community of Practice for Supporting Families Regional Collaboratives Summit on August 14-15, 2024. The Regional Collaboratives for Supporting Families Summit will…
On July 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance to states on the steps needed to ensure compliance with rate transparency provisions of the Medicaid Access…
How Does Migration Status Impact Direct Support Professionals (DSP)? Paid Interview Opportunity for DSPs!
July 22, 2024The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is inviting people to participate in a paid interview about how migration status (an individual who has moved away from their native country)…
PHA Responds to CHC, OBRA Waiver Amendments
July 22, 2024PHA collaborated with a number of associations and stakeholders to respond to the proposed CHC Waiver Renewal and OBRA Waiver Amendment released by the Office of Long Term Living on June 15,…
New Resource: Training Supplement for OLTL Providers
July 15, 2024PHA has added a new training supplement to our resource library, specifically designed to meet the annual staff training requirements mandated by the Office of Long-Term Living (§ 52.21. Staff training)….
ODP Updates Guidance for QM Plans
July 15, 2024ODP released additional guidance for providers regarding QM plans for CPS and Day Habilitation providers. Prior guidance regarding new waiver language related to QM plans, indicated that providers with service…
The LTSS MAAC meeting held on July 2, 2024, provided critical updates on various programs and initiatives. Specifically, key updates were shared regarding: 1. CHC Waiver Renewal and OBRA Waiver Amendment…
UPMC Ends Current VBP – New VBP Coming in 2024
July 8, 2024Home Care providers may have heard or be in receipt of a letter indicating that UPMC is NOT renewing the July 1, 2023, Amendment to the Community HealthChoices Personal Assistance…
UPMC Updates Referral Broadcast Process
July 1, 2024Providers should expect to see a higher-than-normal volume of broadcast referrals over the coming days as UPMC works with HHAeXchange to change their processes so that referrals needing caregiver placements…
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced the July 1, 2024 start of the QA&I Process for Cycle 2, Year 3 (C2Y3). Read what providers need to know here: View…
Don’t Miss the July 2 LTSS Subcommittee Meeting Highlighting PAS Rate Study and Waiver Amendments
July 1, 2024The Department of Human Services (DHS) is hosting the LTSS Subcommittee meeting on July 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. All stakeholders are welcome to join in person…
The HCBS CAHPS survey measures participant experiences in areas such as access to services, communication with providers, choice of services, and personal safety. The insights gathered help home care providers…
The Office of Long Term Living is releasing proposed Waiver Amendments for OBRA and Community Health Choice on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days,…
The Office of Long Term Living and Mercer delivered an update regarding the upcoming rate study, which will include a review of the Personal Assistance Services rate. Mercer indicated three ways…
OLTL Procurement for Independent Enrollment Broker includes Expanded Enrollment Support
June 10, 2024At the Wednesday, June 5 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee Meeting, the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) indicated that the new contract between OLTL and Maximus for Independent…
On May 23, the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) submitted comments on the proposed Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Fee Schedule Rates. PHA commended ODP for prioritizing the direct care workforce through adequate reimbursement,…
At the most recent Medical Assistance Advisory Committee on May 23, 2024, the Office of Long Term Living released key milestones for the rate study that is to be conducted…