The list below includes just a few of the issues HCA is focused on. Click the link for each issue to learn more.
TPL Advocacy/Demand Billing Effort: HCA reports on advocacy to extend Third Party Liability (TPL) Demonstration Program — to preserve the state's now well-established efficient method of reconciling Medicare/Medicaid payment responsibility for home health claims — and to prevent the need for avalanche of Medicare demand billing for the 2007 Federal Fiscal Year, impacting providers, as a result of the TPL's expiration.
Home Care Reimbursement Workgroup: The latest information on the proceedings of a state Department of Health-led workgroup — which includes several HCA members — convened to examine Medicaid home health reimbursement.
Home Health Aide Registry: As the state implements a statewide registry of home health and personal care aides, HCA advocates for improvements in the Registry functionality and administration.
Federal Issues: HCA reports on federal issues that impact home care providers, including reimbursement matters and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policies.
State Budget: HCA advocates for a State Budget environment that is favorable to the provision of high-quality, cost-effective home and community-based health care. Read the latest State Budget updates.
State Legislation: Get the latest information about legislation supported or opposed by HCA.
Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP): Also known as the "Lombardi Program" or the "Nursing Home Without Walls" program in New York State, the LTHHCP was designed to provide care in the home for those qualified to enter a nursing home but who have lesser care needs and prefer to remain in their homes. In addition to receiving home nursing care, participants receive assistance from home health aides and are often provided with social day care, home delivered meals, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
Regulatory Issues/Reporting Requirements: HCA reports on several regulatory issues and reporting requirements affecting home care providers.
Quality Improvement/System Integrity: HCA reports on quality control and system integrity measures in home care.
Health Personnel, Workforce and Home Care Infrastructure: Personnel are the backbone of home care — the visiting nurses, therapists, home health aides and other direct-care professionals who provide care to patients every day. HCA reports on investments in workforce recruitment and retention and home care infrastructure.
Home Telehealth/Technology: Home telehealth is cutting-edge technology that allows providers to monitor patients remotely as a supplement to routine home health visits. HCA is currently advocating for state investments in home telehealth, creating an incentive for providers to use the new technology as an enhancement to standard patient care.
Funding Opportunities: HCA reports on home care funding and grant opportunities.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): a system promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for identifying health care providers using a ten-digit number.
Criminal History Record Checks: A system implemented by the state Department of Health (DOH) requiring nursing home and home health care agencies to review the criminal histories of unlicensed workers with direct access to patients.
Emergency Preparedness: HCA provides updates on the latest emergency preparedness information as it relates to home care.
Prospective Payment System (PPS): A system under Medicare by which providers are paid fixed, predetermined rates for a 60-day episode of care.
P4P: Stands for "pay for performance." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in October that it is conducting a home health care pay-for-performance demo. Its purpose is to promote quality through funding incentives.
Payor/Reimbursement Issues: HCA reports on efforts to ensure responsible payment/reimbursement.
Additional information can also be found using HCA's "Site Search" option at the top of each page on our website. Enter a key word to find the exact content you are looking for.
