HCBS bill provides ‘sorely needed’ solutions to care choice, workforce issues
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 10, 2023
A new bill seeking to expand and permanently fund home- and community-based service programs — including those provided in assisted living — is “exactly what’s needed” to begin to solve the...
Worker shortages, waiting list inaccuracies complicate HCBS programs
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Nov 30, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on fundamental, long-term challenges for state Medicaid home- and community-based services programs, but it also provided opportunities for change, according to a...
CMS throws down ultimatum on HCBS settings final rule compliance
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Nov 29, 2022
The federal government is giving states and providers an ultimatum to make progress on meeting the requirements of the home- and community-based services settings final rule that goes into effect in the...
Assisted living rises to top of LTSS continuum with its lower cost, higher workforce levels
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jul 10, 2024
Although the long-term services and supports sector faces several challenges to meet the needs of a rapidly increasing older adult population, assisted living’s low cost and gains in workforce levels...
Senior living providers navigate PHE unwinding, state-level guidelines
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 15, 2023
The May 11 expiration of the federal public health emergency declaration will bring changes to federal healthcare programs, with various regulatory flexibilities expiring immediately or within a short...
Investments needed to meet demand for home care workforce
Apr 24, 2023
The home care workforce increased from 2008 to 2013, but growth slowed from 2013 to 2019 while demand increased continuously.
Up to 80 percent of older adults unable to afford 4 years of assisted living: study
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 20, 2023
Up to 80% of older adults have modest assets and would be unable to afford four years in an assisted living community or more than two years of nursing home care, according to a new study.
CMS proposes ‘universal’ quality measures to ease provider burden, confusion
By
Lois A. Bowers
Feb 06, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services leaders are proposing the creation of a “universal foundation” of quality measures to reduce the reporting burden and confusion for providers and better align...
Raise grant rates for assisted living, wages and benefits for caregivers, board recommends
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 05, 2022
A state government advisory board is recommending that the Virginia General Assembly increase grant awards to cover assisted living costs, mandate sick leave and a living wage for direct care workers,...
CMS changes quality measure set for home- and community-based services
By
Lois A. Bowers
Apr 15, 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced changes to the quality measure set for home- and community-based services and described reporting requirements for Money Follows the Person grant...