Providers need funding to improve Medicaid HCBS access, quality, advocates say
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 01, 2023
Senior living advocates are applauding steps announced by the federal government to ensure equitable access to home- and community-based services provided via the Medicaid program, but they say that funding...
Assisted living needs to be part of enhanced Medicaid HCBS program, industry advocates say
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jan 30, 2023
A proposal calling for permanent enhanced federal funding to states to expand the Medicaid home- and community-based services program needs to go a step further to emphasize the benefits of assisted living,...
Bill aims to prevent Medicaid Access Rule implementation
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 29, 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would be prohibited from implementing the Medicaid Access Rule under a bill introduced last week in the House of Representatives.
Medicaid Access Rule shortcomings could decrease access to care, industry advocates say
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 23, 2024
No guarantee exists that a final rule that the federal government promoted as increasing transparency in Medicaid payments and improving wages for direct care workers will accomplish either goal, senior...
Final Medicaid Access Rule released, White House says
By
Lois A. Bowers
Apr 22, 2024
A federal rule requiring providers to allocate at least 80% of home- and community-based payments to direct care worker pay has been finalized, President Biden said in a fact sheet posted Monday on the...
Medicaid Access Rule review completed by White House
By
Lois A. Bowers
Apr 16, 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 is one step closer...
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...
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...
Better wages, working conditions key to attracting more workers to HCBS settings
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 21, 2023
The size of the home- and community-based services workforce has not kept pace with expanding numbers of Medicaid program participants, according to a new study whose authors contend that better pay and...
Advocacy groups release blueprint to improve HCBS, aging services workforce
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 05, 2023
Strategies on how to improve Ohio’s overall system of home- and community-based services, including assisted living, and the aging services workforce are highlights of a blueprint released by a coalition...