Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice

10/22/2025

Navigating Medicaid audits and reimbursements isn’t just about regulations—

👉 it’s about connections and domain expertise.

🎯 VAHC’s board and leadership have spent 30 years building relationships across agencies, regulators, and providers, giving members a powerful edge for compliance and reimbursement success.

The outcomes are better when you dont go it alone.

10/21/2025

The cost of inaction – 8966 West Virginians lost care.

Since 2019, 8,966 West Virginians have lost home care due to CMS reimbursement cuts

proof that continuous advocacy must remain central to our mission.

Without action, this number will rise, straining families and communities statewide.

Join VAHC and help us defend access all year long—we can’t do this work alone.

10/15/2025

Advocacy alert! Its the time to speak up, dollars are at stake.

West Virginia is actively gathering public input on how to use a major influx of federal funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, with applications due soon.

This historic investment—about $100 million a year for West Virginia—could transform home- and community-based care by supporting workforce recruitment, technology-enabled care, and better access for rural seniors.

The state’s plan will shape local healthcare for years to come...

So NOW is the time for home care voices to speak up and drive these investments toward real solutions.

“Public input is open—make your voice count and help ensure home care gets the resources it needs to meet the growing demands of West Virginians aging in place.”

10/14/2025

1 of 35….

CMS released the final FY 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update.

VAHC already delivered an exclusive analysis to members, unpacking operational impacts and best practices

putting members ahead of the curve for compliance, quality, and financial planning.

This is only 1 of the 35 benefits of VAHC membership.

Membership means leadership, clarity, and proactive solutions.

See the 34 other benefits of membership:

10/09/2025

States have until December 31, 2025...

to apply for their share of the landmark $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund—$10 billion each year through 2030.

With only a single opportunity to submit plans, state strategy and advocacy are critical.

Funds may be used for workforce recruitment, chronic disease prevention, tech-enabled care, and more—but with half the money distributed at CMS’s discretion, outcomes depend on thoughtful action and community input.

Rural areas aren’t the only ones affected—states have the power to shape the future of local care.

10/08/2025

Action needed!

Change starts with bold voices.

Support HR 5142, the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025, and help delay devastating Medicare payment cuts proposed by CMS.

A 9% payment reduction isn’t just a statistic

👉 It's a crisis impacting patient outcomes, caregiver capacity, and agency survival.

Our website offers a direct link to your representative and recommended advocacy language.

https://lnkd.in/eWu84r6c

Change starts with bold voices—make yours count today!

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This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

09/25/2025

Industry report shows better onboarding = happier, higher-performing caregivers—and reduced turnover.

Home care agencies should:

· Actively involve managers in onboarding - building the team vibe right from the beginning

· Automate mundane steps and personalize the rest of experience

· Ensure caregivers receive a warm welcome - what can you do for them that first week? Month? Year?

And regularly ask for feedback for improvement!

09/24/2025

And ...

Did you know 26% of Virginia’s older adults face challenges getting involved in civic life, fueling more social isolation?

VPAP’s Civics Navigator helps bridge the gap with practical tools and personalized planning—connecting seniors with their communities and reducing isolation across generations.

Communities can help by organizing outreach sessions where older adults can learn to use these digital tools and connect locally.

Check out this resource: https://www.vpap.org/civics/

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09/19/2025

BIG news…

The Department of Labor has announced it will no longer enforce the 2013 Final Rule restricting the Companionship Services Exemption for caregiver registries, allowing third-party employers to confidently operate under the registry model again.

Agencies should prepare by reviewing caregiver roles and documentation to ensure compliance with exemption criteria and state laws.





Its critical to understand exactly what this means. Reach out for guidance.

09/17/2025

It’s a calling…

Looking for a meaningful career?

Home care offers purpose, flexibility, and the chance to make a difference daily.

VAHC members provide training and support for new entrants—so your journey starts with guidance and growth.

Join us in making lives better!

👩‍⚕️

09/16/2025

Hospice models are evolving:

1)More providers investing in staff development, technology, and emotional support for end-of-life care.

2)Agencies are sharing success stories about personalized care plans and digitally connected teams.

3)Families and clinicians alike report higher satisfaction and comfort—building momentum for innovation this fall.

For details on how hospice peers are advancing, contact us for a conversation.

Peer to peer conversations.

www.vahc.org

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09/11/2025

On September 11th, we honor the spirit of unity and everyday acts of kindness that bring comfort during difficult times.

Whether it’s a helping hand, a listening ear, or a caring gesture, small acts can make a big difference in our communities.

Today, let’s remember those lost on that day —and commit to making kindness part of our daily caregiving.