For Immediate Release
HCANYS Data Webpage Adds 2024 CHHA Medicaid Cost Report Data
HCA Data and Research, our online library of data reports for members only, now includes a new HCANYS-revised spreadsheet of the calendar year (CY) 2024 Medicaid Cost Report submitted by all non-hospital based Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) in the state. The file has been posted under the “Medicaid Cost Reports” tab.
Looking for a way to grow and retain your nursing workforce?
Through grant funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, HCA established the Hearts in Home Care Nurse Scholarship (HHCNS). The program supports the career advancement of current home care agency employees with at least one year of service who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree or specialty certification in the field of nursing. HHCNS Committee will make awards to home care and hospice agencies providing individual scholarships of up to $10,000 for selected candidates.
Mark Your Calendar: Hospice Connects & CHHA Connects Are Coming Up
Two member-only opportunities to stay ahead of the issues shaping home health and hospice care in New York and to share your questions, concerns, and insights with peers and HCA staff — don't miss them. CHHA Connects: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 10:30–11:30 AM (Virtual). Hospice Connects: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM (Virtual)
Don't Let Home Care Be Overlooked: Participate in CHWS Annual Workforce Survey
The Center for Health Workforce Studies (the Center) at the University at Albany is conducting its annual workforce recruitment and retention survey. HCANYS is partnering with the Center and reaching out to home care agencies to ask for your participation.
Wellpoint Federal, New York’s principal Jurisdiction 6 home health and hospice Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) recently announced that the two percent Medicare sequestration deduction has been being incorrectly applied twice on recently processed home health and hospice (HHH) claims, beginning in mid-April.
On July 16th, the Department of Health released new guidance (DAL #: DRS #26-02, DHCBS #26-05) stating that effective as of that date, Alternative Competency Demonstration (ACD) is no longer permitted for purposes of attaining PCA Certification. All candidates for certification as a Personal Care Aide are now required to complete the full training course at a NYS DOH or NYSED approved training program.
DOH Provides Updates in Bi-Weekly Meeting
On July 23, Carol Rodat (DOH Office of Long Term Care) led a video conference with HCBS stakeholders. The meeting included general information and various updates from multiple DOH offices. Highlights are summarized in this article.
Department of Health Issues Clarification on FLSA Compliance in CDPAP
Earlier this month, DOH issued a clarification to ensure compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and NYS Labor Laws. The clarification relates to caregivers in the CDPAP program. More specifically, it outlines certain requirements of CDPAP personal assistants versus expectations of a household resident or family member.
New York State Pushes Federal Government to Extend TPS for Haitians
Over a year ago, the federal government announced that it is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Various litigation followed and last month the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow the federal government to end TPS for Haiti. The case has now been sent back to the district courts to issue an implementing order. In the wake of this litigation and upcoming deadline, the state of New York has joined 19 other states in urging Congress to pass legislation extending temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians. It has been reported that there are over 55,000 Haitians with TPS in NYS.
State Comptroller Issues Report on State’s Enacted Budget; Medicaid a Top Expense and Concern
Earlier this month, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) released its analysis of the State’s Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget. As reported in earlier editions of the Situation Report, the State’s “All Funds” spending is projected to be $277 Billion – a 7% increase year-over-year. Historically, school aid and Medicaid are the primary drivers of spending growth. However, according to OSC, Medicaid spending has overtaken school aid spending in recent years – with Medicaid spending now accounting for over 26% of state operating funds spending.
Board of Directors Gears HCA’s Aims & Resources for Crucial Fall Advocacy Season
The HCA Board of Directors and Board Committees conducted a sequence of strategic meetings over June and July griding for the Association’s intense state and federal advocacy work ahead for our sector. Immediate sights are set on garnering a more responsive and engaged State Administration in support of home and community-based services, particularly among the Governor and Governor’s staff, State Division of Budget and State Office of Health Insurance Programs at the Department of Health.
DOH Issues MAID Guidance and FAQ: What HCBS Providers Need to Know
On July 24, the Department of Health issued DAL #26-09, its first formal implementation guidance ahead of the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) law's August 5, 2026 effective date. The DAL was directed to hospital and Diagnostic and Treatment Center administrators, but its requirements create real downstream implications for the rest of our field: a hospice or palliative physician may become the “reasonably accessible, willing provider” a declining hospital transfers a patient to, and the DAL's staff-conduct rules and cause-of-death documentation requirement apply with equal force in a hospice residence or private home.