Federal government boosts support of HCBS, releases worker registry guidance
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Dec 13, 2023
When the American Rescue Plan Act was passed in 2021, home- and community-based services were estimated to receive $12 billion. Now, $37 billion is now being used for HCBS across the country in all 50...
HCBS direct care workforce growth outpaces assisted living, nursing home workforce growth
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 08, 2022
The direct care workforce has added 1.5 million new jobs, going from 3.2 million to 4.7 million, over the past decade, according to a new report by PHI. Home- and community based services direct care workforce...
Wisconsin commits $500M for reimbursements to nursing homes, also increases HCBS reimbursement
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Jan 13, 2022
Wisconsin will commit more than $500 million for payments and incentives to nursing homes by increasing reimbursement rates, Gov. Tony Evers (D) said Tuesday.
End of pandemic-era payments to family caregivers could complicate workforce shortages
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 20, 2023
During the pandemic, most states allowed some form of payment to family caregivers whose loved ones were receiving Medicaid home- and community-based services. As those payments dry up, workforce shortages...
Proposed national paid leave program could ‘open up larger conversation’
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Mar 15, 2024
President Joe Biden’s proposed budget for 2025 includes a measure to establish a national paid family and medical leave program. The program would be administered by the Social Security Administration.
Minimum staffing requirements good idea in theory only: AHCA/NCAL
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Jul 13, 2023
A federal nursing home minimum staffing mandate “sounds like a good idea, but in practice, it is not,” American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Mark...
Business briefs, March 27
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Mar 27, 2023
Bill closes ‘loophole’ in provider background checks … USCIS lifts COVID-related flexibilities … Biden’s budget would strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, HCBS, senator says … ORA...
Florida long-term care associations sue state over minimum wage mandate
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 30, 2022
Florida long-term care associations and one provider are challenging a requirement that, starting Oct. 1, providers in the state serving Medicaid beneficiaries — including assisted living communities...
$1.3 million project aims to strengthen direct care workforce
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
May 05, 2022
A $1.3 million federal project, with funding spread out over five years, will establish a new center to help strengthen the direct care workforce providing home- and community-based services to older...