GAO to CMS: Keep a closer eye on HCBS programs during pandemic
By
Diane Eastabrook
Sep 14, 2021
The General Accounting Office is recommending the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pay closer scrutiny to temporary changes to home-and-community-based services during public health emergencies...
CMS seeks feedback on quality measures proposed for HCBS
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 21, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking feedback on proposed national quality and outcomes measures for the Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services provided for older adults...
LHC Group offers bullish outlook on home care based on new policies, legislation in Washington
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 07, 2021
National home care and hospice provider LHC Group sees nothing but tailwinds ahead, despite ongoing uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reports make the case for HCBS over institutional care
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 18, 2018
Community-based long-term services and supports have the potential to increase Medicaid beneficiary satisfaction and save costs, and they’re becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to institutional...
Federal bill would send more funds to states to stabilize HCBS in assisted living and other settings
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 25, 2023
A proposed federal bill aims to stabilize home- and community-based services, potentially including those provided in assisted living communities, by dedicating Medicaid funds to states to support their...
Spending on HCBS continues to comprise more than half of total Medicaid LTSS outlay, CMS finds
By
Joe Jancsurak
Jan 22, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released the Medicaid LTSS Annual Expenditures Report for federal fiscal years (FFY) 2017 and 2018. This report discusses the long-term services and...
States overlooking untapped potential of dual-eligible special needs plans: report
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 28, 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act is expected to infuse $11 billion in federal dollars to states to bolster home- and community-based services in Medicaid. But few states are connecting the dots on how integrated...
Home care providers praise 10% increase in FMAP in stimulus package
By
Diane Eastabrook
Mar 10, 2021
A “win-win” is how LeadingAge describes the proposed 10% increase in funding to Medicaid for home- and community-based services (HCBS). The increase was part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package...
HCBS access rule heads to final review amid senior living industry concerns
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jan 31, 2024
A proposed federal rule establishing mandatory quality measures for home- and community-based services and requiring providers to allocate 80% of HCBS payments to direct care worker pay now is under final...
Some Medicaid payments for assisted living services could be jeopardized if ACA provision expires
By
Lois A. Bowers
Nov 16, 2018
Medicaid payments for assisted living services could be in jeopardy in some states if Congress does not renew a provision in the Affordable Care Act that is set to expire on Dec. 31, according to a new...