Home Health
HHAeXchange is hosting a special Caregiver Award initiative in honor of National Homecare & Hospice Month, and we encourage you to get involved! This is a wonderful chance to highlight…
Empower Your Team with PHA Member Portal Access
October 6, 2024Did you know that PHA Member Portal is available to your entire team! There’s no limit to how many employees you can enroll, ensuring everyone in your organization can benefit…
HHAeXchange Acquires Sandata
October 6, 2024On October 3, 2024, HHAeXchange CEO, Paul Joiner, announced the acquisition of Sandata Technologies. As a leading home care software solution in Pennsylvania for providers and managed care organizations, HHAeXchange’s…
ODP Roundup
October 6, 2024The Office of Developmental Programs released a number of critical bulletins recently. Make sure you did not miss key rate, waiver amendment, and webinar information by reviewing PHA’s ODP Roundup.
FBI Fingerprinting Proposed
September 20, 2024PHA is advocating on two proposed regulatory changes that can impact the speed and cost of how home health care workers are hired. Specifically, the current OLTL Waiver Renewals and…
Mission Moment: Anja Miller, Guthrie Hospice
September 20, 2024Watch this powerful Mission Moment from Anja Miller. Want to be featured and inspire others with your Mission Moment? Click here to submit yours!
Mergers & Acquisitions: Navigating M&A in Pennsylvania: Strategies, Trends, and Legal Insights
September 20, 2024Join us on October 24 at The Alloy in King of Prussia, PA, for an exclusive in-person event designed for professionals navigating the mergers and acquisitions landscape. This full-day event…
Help Support Home-Based Care for Those in Need!
September 20, 2024In 2024, the Pennsylvania Foundation for Home Care and Hospice is proud to have granted home-based care funding to more than 50 individuals through our Home Care Grant program. These individuals…
Vitable: PHA Exclusive Discounts for TB Blood Tests
September 20, 2024PHA has partnered with Vitable Health, bringing our members exclusive discounts on QuantiFERON TB tests. Through this partnership, members can purchase TB tests quarterly at a discounted rate through Vitable,…
Guest Column: Caregiver Workforce Trends by Care Connect
September 20, 2024Guest Column: Caregiver Workforce Trends by Care Connect Addressing the Shifts in Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention In recent months, the caregiver landscape has experienced a notable shift. While the number…
Expanded HHVBP Model Web-Based Training: Changes to the 2025 Applicable Measure Set
September 20, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a training course which will cover changes to the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model’s applicable measure set for 2025….
VNA of Greater Philadelphia to Close After 138 Years of Service: A Call to Protect Home Health Services
September 20, 2024The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia (VNA), a cornerstone of the community since 1886, will be closing its doors on October 28, 2024. Citing unsustainable financial losses, VNA has…
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….
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…
NAHC-NHPCO Alliance Announce New Name, New Logo and New CEO
September 6, 2024The NAHC-NHPCO Alliance has announced a new name, The Alliance for Care at Home, a new logo, and has appointed Dr. Steven Landers, MD, MPH, as its first Chief Executive…
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…
Save the Date: Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI) Year 2
September 6, 2024The PA Department of Human Services is announcing the Second Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI), an interactive educational experience scheduled from March 2025 through November 2025. This nine-month program…
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….
PDN: Advocate for Nursing Rate Increases Today!
August 16, 2024Don’t wait until April/May of 2025 to advocate for rate increases for nurses. Advocacy starts NOW! Sharing patient stories is a vital aspect of advocacy because it personalizes the impact of…
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…
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…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services held a webinar on August 13, 2024 to review the HHVBP CY 2024 Annual Performance Report (APR). Those interested in reviewing the presentation…
Reminder: Annual DDE/PPTN Recertification Is Due
August 16, 2024As a reminder, each year, providers must recertify each Direct Data Entry (DDE) and Professional Provider Telecommunications Network (PPTN) user’s access. To recertify, complete and fax the Annual DDE PPTN Recertification…
CGS Webinar Series: Top Claims Errors and Documentation Tips for Home Health and Hospice
August 16, 2024CGS is diving into the top claims errors later this month with focused webinars for both home health and hospice. These sessions will review the most common errors and provide…
OMAP Survey: Pediatric Shift Care Milestones
August 9, 2024In an effort to create the Pediatric Complex Care Resource Center to best fit each family’s diverse needs, the OMAP Pediatric Shift Care Team is requesting feedback from families and…
Expanded HHVBP: Reporting Updates
August 9, 2024The Preliminary July 2024 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) for the expanded HHVBP Model are now available on iQIES, providing performance data and interim scores for home health agencies. Providers can…
Protect Home Health Care from Cuts
July 29, 2024On June 26, 2024, CMS released its proposed rule for Calendar Year 2025, which includes a substantial 4.067 % cut to the home health base payment rate. This follows previous…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced two FREE courses from the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM). These courses focus on dementia risk reduction and are available…
Feedback Needed: Help Improve the PEPPER & CBR
July 29, 2024The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking information for a reevaluation of the Comparative Billing Reports (CBRs) and Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports (PEPPERs) to improve…
The Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) survey results are now on Care Compare. Survey results are based on responses from patients who received care from Medicare-certified agencies in CY 2023. You…
WEBINAR: HHVBP CY 2024 Annual Performance Report
July 29, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a webinar on August 13 to inform home health providers about their first Annual Performance Report (APR) for the…
July 2024 MedPAC Data Book Released
July 22, 2024The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission released the July 2024 MedPAC Data Book, Health Care Spending and the Medicare Program, on July 16, 2024. The MedPAC Data Book provides information on national health care…
Recently, hospice providers may have experienced claim rejections due to an issue with the certifying physician enrollment edit. The problem, marked by reason code 17729 (The attending physician’s National Provider…
NOW AVAILABLE IN iQIES – Preview Reports and Star Rating Preview Reports for the October 2024 Refresh
July 22, 2024For the most recent iQIES refresh, Home Health Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and QRP claims-based measures have been updated. All OASIS and claims-based measures are now based on…
Reminder: Annual DDE/PPTN Recertification Is Due
July 8, 2024Have you recertified your FISS DDE User ID yet? CGS is requiring home health and hospice providers to recertify their Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) Direct Data Entry (DDE) now….