January 22, 2024 | Volume 9, Issue No. 4

TOP STORIES:

Now Available! HCA Memo on Governor Hochul's FY2024-2025 Executive Budget Proposal 
All HCA members are urged to thoroughly review this budget summary and to participate in HCA’s upcoming member forums and additional venues where we will be further briefing you on the details, anticipated impacts, and advocacy needs in response to the budget. 

Annual 1115 Waiver Public Forum and 1115 Continuous Eligibility Waiver Amendment Public Comment Period Announced 
OHIP will conduct two virtual public hearings to provide an overview of the State’s 1115 waiver Continuous Eligibility for Children up to Age Six amendment request and allow members of the public to provide comments. 

Federal Affairs…. and HCA Goes to Washington
HCA leadership will travel to Washington in early February to meet with Members of the Delegation to discuss legislation that would postpone implementation of PDGM cuts that went into effect on January 1st. There are currently discussions around a possible health care package in March that would address telehealth, PDGM and many other related issues.

Last Chance to Take Part in this Year's State of the Industry Survey!
Calling attention to all CHHAs, LHSCAS, Hospices, MLTC/PACE, and CDPAP/FIs – this is your last chance to take part in HCA's Annual State of Industry Survey! All survey responses must be in by COB Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Master Plan for Aging Survey – Deadline Extended 
Due to the recent surge in enthusiasm and overwhelming response from survey participants, DOH is extending the survey period through February 29, 2024. 

HCA Member Spotlight: Emina Poricnanin, Esq.
Emina Poricanin, Managing Attorney for Poricanin Law, is the Founder and CEO of Forework, a compliance-driven payroll technologies and human resources consulting company, and is a frequent speaker on all-things home care for HCA. She is the author of The Employment Law Manual for New York Employers and hosts a podcast for New York home care providers, The Home Care Forum.

DOH Posts to HCS Initial 2023 CHHA Pediatric Rates 
DOH states that CHHAs should refer to the Dear Administrator/Controller letter posted to the HCS for details regarding these Initial 2023 Medicaid rates and the associated appeal period which has been extended by one day to February 19th (30 day) and April 17th (90 day).   

DOH Posts to HCS Initial 2023 Medicaid Personal Care and Fiscal Intermediary CDPAP Rates 
The state Department of Health (DOH) recently sent a notification (via email) that the Licensed Home Care Service Agency (LHCSA) Initial Medicaid Personal Care and Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Rates for 2023 have been posted to the Health Commerce System (HCS) Financial Gateway. 

2022 Medicaid LHCSA Personal Care and CDPAP/FI Rates Posted to HCS for Providers That Appealed  
The final Medicaid rates will take effect in eMedNY’s Medicaid Rate Cycle 2421, with a check release date of January 31, 2024. 

CMS to Conduct Medicare Cost Report E-Filing System Webinar: February 14 
CMS states that the target audience includes any Medicare Part A providers and entities that file Medicare cost reports for providers. 

CDC Update on Respiratory Illnesses 
Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that seasonal influenza and COVID-19 activity remain elevated in most parts of the country; however, the rapid increases seen over the past several weeks appear to be slowing. 

NYC DOHMH Recommends Masking In Healthcare and Residential Facilities 
HCA reminds members that DOH’s recommendation is different from the state’s flu mask requirement that all healthcare and residential facilities and agencies regulated pursuant to Article 28, 36, or 40 of the Public Health Law shall ensure that all personnel not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents are typically present. 

HCA Hosts Emergency Preparedness Forum
Thursday’s forum drew over 150 participants who provide services in the five boroughs of New York City.

Accepting Award Nominations For 2024 
HCA is accepting award nominations for 2024! If you'd like to submit nominations for a Caring, Champion, Trailblazer, or HCA's Premier Award - the Ruth F. Wilson Award, please do so by February 1. 

NHTD and TBI Cost Report Templates and Manual Posted 
The state Department of Health (DOH) has posted the cost report templates and manual for the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion and Traumatic Brain Injury programs to be used for the 2023/24 reporting years.  

2024 Poverty Levels Posted 
These levels are used to determine charity care, programs that assist with Medicare deductibles and copayments and others. 

PHHPC Meeting Agenda Posted 
The state Department of Health (DOH) has posted the agenda for the January 25, 2024 meeting of the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) Committee on Establishment and Project Review. 

2024 Total Solar Eclipse Calls for Statewide Preparation 
The travel to and throughout NYS is anticipated to have tremendous impacts on the roads and travel time. The health care industry must be aware of how this event will impact traffic and emergency services during the eclipse. 

Upcoming Important Deadlines      
Stay up to date on upcoming dates/requirements that impact home care, hospices and managed long term care plans.

Winter Storm Season 2023-2024 Guidance   
DOH’s Health Alert includes information from its Winter Storm Season 2023-2024 Guidance for home care agencies, adult care facilities, hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and nursing homes. 

Free Fit Testing Train-The-Trainer Opportunity for NYC Home Care Providers 
The in-person sessions will review how respiratory programs work and can be implemented or expanded at your facility. 

Home Health Maternal Sepsis Education, Prevention, and Intervention 
Home and community health organizations are in a unique position and have the credentials to make their role even more compelling in sepsis prevention, screening, and intervention 

Free Sepsis In-Service Training For Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides & Paraprofessionals In Other Health Settings 
The training is entirely free, and we urge your participation in this national effort to combat sepsis — a national public health crisis that is the number one cause of death in hospitals and readmissions. 

Now Available! 4-Part Webinar Series on Top Interventions and Recommendations for Addressing Health Disparities Through Home Care 
This past fall, HCA E&R held a 4-part webinar series for home care and hospice providers, managed care plans and other community organizations to assist in their efforts in assessing and addressing health disparities.   

Delirium, Dementia, and Depression: A Tool for Understanding the 3D’s is Now Available 
The tool is available via sign-up. It is available as a one-pager as well as a mobile phone friendly version.  

Infection Prevention and Control Training and Toolkit Available 
HCA E&R in partnership with Sepsis Alliance, IPRO and other subject matter experts developed a multi-part module to assist providers and agencies in infection prevention and control both in the home and in the agency.