April 8, 2024 | Volume 9, Issue No. 15

TOP STORIES:

State Budget Delay Continues
A week past due, the New York State Budget remains unresolved. Following an initial extender, the Governor and the legislature pushed the deadline further with an extender through April 11th, though we expect that the timeline will again extend later this week. 

HCA Meets with DOH 
On April 4, HCA and other associations representing the long term care continuum met with the state Department of Health (DOH) Office of Aging and Long-Term Care. DOH holds meetings with the associations every two weeks in order to provide updates and give participants the opportunity to raise any issues.

Registration Is Open for the 2024 Annual Conference!
This year, we are packing in all the fun and education over two days. Join us in person for our premier event offering enrichment in areas of organizational development, leadership, strategic planning, and more!  

2024 HCA Award Winners 
At HCA’s Annual Conference on May 8, 2024, we will honor these exceptional home care and hospice caregivers and leaders for their outstanding contributions. 

Medicare Advantage and Part D Rule Issued
On April 4, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that revises the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Medicare Part D), Medicare Cost Plan Program, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Health Information Technology Standards and Implementation Specifications. 

NYC Congestion Pricing Starts in June
Starting in June 2024, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan — local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street — will be charged a toll. Certain drivers entering the Congestion Relief Zone will be eligible for discounts or exemptions. 

2025 Final Medicare Advantage Rates Announced
Under this CY 2025 Rate Announcement, payments from the government to MA plans are expected to increase on average by 3.70 percent, or over $16 billion, from 2024 to 2025. 

HHCAHPS Survey Fact Sheet Now Available 
Participating agencies are strongly encouraged to include the HHCAHPS fact sheet in the initial patient information packet so that patients are aware of the survey and its importance. CMS recommends HHCAHPS Survey vendors discuss implementing this fact sheet with their client agencies to help improve patient participation in the survey. 

Introducing HCA’s Leadership In Medicine & Master of Business Administration Student Capstone Researchers from Clarkson University Community Partner Project 
HCA is pleased to again host Leadership In Medicine and Master of Business Administration student capstone researchers under the Clarkson University Community Partner Project. 

PHHPC Meeting Agenda Posted 
The agenda includes applications by seven Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) for Changes of Ownership. 

CMS Issues Proposed FY 2025 Hospice Payment Rule 
CMS estimates a 2.6% ($705 million) market basket increase in national hospice payments for FY 2025 over FY 2024. CMS also updates the Routine Home Care (RHC), Continuous Home Care (CHC), Inpatient Respite Care (IRC) and General Inpatient Care (GIC) hospice Medicare rates for FY 2025. 

Update to “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” 
New York State recently extended the Act’s original May 20, 2024, effective date to August 28, 2024. 

Virtual Antimicrobial Resistance Conference, Sepsis Alliance 
Designed to explore cutting-edge solutions for AMR in healthcare, the Sepsis Alliance AMR Conference 2024 provides a unique opportunity for clinicians, caregivers, patients, and the public to learn about innovative ideas, gain inspiration, and gain practical knowledge for sepsis management and countering AMR challenges. 

Health Advisory on Streptococcal Infections Issue 
On April 2, 2024, the state Department of Health (DOH) released, “Health Advisory: Update on Increase on Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in New York State.” 

DOH Issues Meningococcal Health Advisory
The health advisory reports an increase in meningococcal disease in the United States, and a shift in serogroup causing this to serogroup Y.  

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.   

Help Us Help You! Take The HCA 2024 Member Profile Survey
In an effort to better serve all of our members,please complete this brief short survey for our data purposes. In turn, you will get improved recommendations, faster and complete responses, and new connections with your fellow HCA members - all if you answer just a few questions that won't take more than five minutes of your time. 

Empowering Providers To Enhance Patient Care 
ACHC and HCA are partnering to meet the needs of home health, hospice, private duty, palliative care, and home infusion therapy providers seeking accreditation. 

Tap Into HCA’s Resources!
The Home Care Association of New York State Education and Research (HCA E&R) has several free resources available for use and reference.  

Now Available! 2024 HCA Marketing Prospectus
Only two “Winners Circle” sponsorships remain and include a premier exhibit location. Lots of great tabletop locations available in our new exhibit area! 

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