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I recently returned from an exhilarating and productive few days in Washington D.C., where I had the privilege of representing Paradigm at the 2024 HCAOA National Home Care Advocacy Day. This annual event brings together industry leaders to advocate for the critical issues impacting home care providers, seniors, and veterans. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and collectively work towards advancing our industry.
A significant focus of the Advocacy Day was lobbying on key legislative and regulatory issues. We raised concerns about the proposed CMS 80/20 rule, which mandates 80% of Medicaid payments to be allocated towards caregiver wages. While we all support fair compensation for caregivers, this one-size-fits-all approach doesn't consider the diverse costs and requirements providers face across different states. We also advocated for policies to address the caregiver shortage, such as establishing visa programs for qualified foreign workers to join the home care workforce.
As a member of the HCAOA VA Services Advisory Council, I participated in a productive meeting with top VA officials to discuss challenges in delivering veteran home care services. Before proceeding, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to express a heartfelt thank you to the HCAOA VA Advisory Council, and particularly to Chair Doug Robertson, for his exceptional leadership and vision."
We presented survey data highlighting discrepancies in care hours prescribed to veterans and gained insights into the budget constraints VA Medical Centers face amidst rising reimbursement rates. Despite lower hours initially approved, the VA reported a significant increase in the average weekly hours paid out, resulting in a $700 million budget overspend on home care this year.
We strongly urged the VA to consider the economic data we provided during their upcoming review of fee schedules. While they seemed receptive, they also indicated potential future decreases in some of the higher home health aide rates. We addressed additional issues such as confusion surrounding authorizations leading to unwarranted fraud investigations, obstacles for licensed home health agencies in obtaining unbundled authorizations, and ambiguity in certain billing codes. The VA officials were engaged and committed to collaborating with the HCAOA to tackle these challenges, signaling positive momentum in ensuring veterans' access to necessary care.
The opportunity to have candid discussions with CEOs from major home care companies that partner with Paradigm was incredibly valuable. Gaining their perspectives on industry trends, strategic priorities, and growth plans provided food for thought as I return to my daily responsibilities.
The 2024 HCAOA National Home Care Advocacy Day underscored the crucial role of advocacy and relationship-building in driving change. By sharing our on-the-ground experiences and presenting a united industry front, we can effectively shape policies and secure funding to support the essential home care services that countless seniors and veterans depend on. I am honored to contribute to this process and remain dedicated to advancing our mission. The work continues, but I left Washington energized and inspired by the collective commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
