Hospice
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…
Prompt Payment Interest Rate: January – June 2025
January 17, 2025CGS must pay interest on clean claims not subject to the periodic interim payment (PIP) mechanism if payment isn’t made within 30 days after the receipt date. The Treasury Department…
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…
Calling 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,…
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…
NOW AVAILABLE IN iQIES – Preview Reports and Star Rating Preview Reports for the April 2025 Refresh
January 17, 2025For this refresh, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) measures have been updated. For additional information, please see the HH Quality Reporting Training webpage and the Home Health Data Submission…
ACHC Accredited: Be Survey Ready with this Essential Checklist
January 17, 2025ACHC is a business partner to PHA offering a $500 discount on ACHC’s accreditation fee, and a $50 discount on workshops or the purchase of ACHC’s Accreditation Guide to Success…
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…
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…
New CAHPS Hospice Survey Materials Now Available in Spanish
January 5, 2025The CAHPS Hospice Survey Project Team has recently posted the Spanish version of the Quality Assurance Guidelines V11.0 and related materials. The release includes Spanish translations of the FAQs, mail…
The next Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum (ODF) will be held this week on Wednesday, January 8, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST. During this session, CMS…
On December 20, 2024, Congress passed the American Relief Act 2025, temporarily extending federal government funding and key healthcare programs. This legislation includes a two-year extension of certain telehealth flexibilities…
CMS is seeking input from stakeholders on how to better protect Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) and safeguard beneficiaries in light of recent fraud targeting MBIs. Specifically, CMS is requesting feedback…
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…
CMS Delays Release of Hospice SFP Bottom 10% List
December 22, 2024In response to an intense advocacy effort from providers and bipartisan Congressional support, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) have delayed the release of the Hospice Special Focus…
Quarterly Credit Balance Reports No Longer Required
December 20, 2024Starting December 1, 2024, providers aren’t required to submit Credit Balance Reports (CMS-838) on a quarterly basis. You’re still required to report self-identified overpayments, but you should only use a Credit…
CGS Announces January “Dark Days” for Common Working File Host
December 20, 2024The Common Working File (CWF) will observe a Gray Day on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and Dark Days from Friday, January 3, through Sunday, January 5, to install the January…
Provider Preview Reports for Feb 2025 Care Compare Refresh
December 20, 2024Provider preview reports for the February 2025 Care Compare refresh were made available in the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application on November 13, 2024. The preview period…
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…
MedPAC Recommends Adjustments to Home Health and Hospice Payments
December 20, 2024On December 13, 2024, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) presented draft recommendations to Congress for adjusting Medicare payment rates for home health and hospice services. While MedPAC’s role is…
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…
Last month, U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Enhancing Hospice Oversight and Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to delay the implementation of the…
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.
“Ready PA”: A Website for Emergency Preparedness and Management
December 8, 2024This past week, Erie County experienced unprecedented lake effect snowfall amounting to 6 feet of snow! Governor Shapiro issued a disaster proclamation, and multiple states of emergency were declared for…
Register for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program webinar hosted by CMS on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 1:00–2:00 PM. The webinar will include an Introduction to Hospice Outcomes and Patient…
Care Compare Quarterly Refresh – November 2024
December 8, 2024The November 2024 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare. For additional information, please see the FY2025 Hospice Wage Index Final Rule at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Hospice-Center. Please…
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…
Guest Column: Seizing Opportunities in Continuing Home Health Care under Medicare Part B: A Path for Pennsylvania Agencies
November 17, 2024By: Ana Handshuh & Julie Kennedy, RubyWell The demand for home health services in Pennsylvania continues to grow as its population ages. Currently, one in four Pennsylvanians is over 60,…
CMS Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP): Q3 2024 Q&A Highlights
November 17, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the latest Quarterly Q&A document for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), covering inquiries received during the third quarter of…
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…
CMS Shares Resources for Home Care & Hospice Month
November 17, 2024In recognition of Home Care & Hospice Month, CMS highlighted key home health and hospice resources in this week’s MLN Connects newsletter. They also released an important change in Checking…
CMS Issues Hospice Survey Guidance to Identify Quality of Care and Potential Fraud Concerns
November 17, 2024On November 13, CMS issued a memo titled “Ensuring Consistency in the Hospice Survey Process,” which reinforces hospice survey protocols to detect quality of care issues and identify potential fraud….
CGS Reminder: Termination of the Hospice Benefit Component of the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model on December 31, 2024
November 17, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has decided to conclude the Hospice Benefit Component of the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model as of December 31, 2024, 11:59 PM….
On November 7, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted its Home Health, Hospice, and DME Open Door Forum, sharing critical updates for providers. Below is a…
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…
Hospice Preview Reports for February 2025 Refresh Now Available
November 17, 2024Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports for the February 2025 refresh via CASPER. The current preview period runs from Nov. 13 – Dec. 13, 2024. These reports…
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…