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...
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy up for racial, ethnic minority healthcare workers
Aug 30, 2021
Vaccine hesitancy was highest among Black and Hispanic or Latino healthcare workers; concerns include side effects and the newness of the vaccine.
Senate takes first major step in boosting home care economy with passage of budget blueprint
By
Diane Eastabrook
Aug 12, 2021
Hopes for sweeping support to the care economy got a boost early Wednesday when the Senate passed a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint that would potentially boost the pay of homecare workers, provide billions...
Kaiser study finds severe workforce shortages challenging HCBS providers
By
Diane Eastabrook
Aug 12, 2021
A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found home care and group home providers suffered significant workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior living leaders hopeful $3.5 trillion budget bill will remember providers
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jul 15, 2021
Senate Democrats announced a $3.5 trillion budget agreement on Tuesday, and although details are limited on how the package specifically might affect aging services providers, senior living leaders remain...
Reporting COVID vaccination data to CMS would be ‘burdensome,’ ‘redundant’ for assisted living,...
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 14, 2021
Requiring assisted living providers to report weekly COVID-19 vaccination data to the federal government would add administrative and cost burdens to operators already challenged by the pandemic and even...
New CMS effort to vaccinate homebound seniors receives a thumbs-up from home care providers
By
Diane Eastabrook
Jun 10, 2021
Home care, hospice and other home-and-community-based service providers are applauding the latest move by the Biden administration to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among homebound seniors.
Assisted living could share in $12.7 billion investment in HCBS through American Rescue Plan
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 17, 2021
Assisted living providers could gain access to a $12.7 billion infusion for Medicaid home- and community-based services through the American Rescue Plan.
CMS issues guidance to states on how to use enhanced Medicaid HCBS funding from stimulus package
By
Liza Berger
May 14, 2021
States can only use enhanced Medicaid funds from the recently passed $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package to strengthen their home- and community-based services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
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.