Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice

08/28/2025

10,000 so far have heeded the call to make a difference.

Public comment period closes tomorrow.

From this artcile, a portion of a outlining the crisis:

"CMS continues to propose and finalize payment rate reductions each year. These reductions financially destabilize legitimate providers and are based on a methodology that incorporates manipulated claims data. If this trend is not corrected, it will permanently erode the home health benefit as originally intended under Medicare, leading to care deserts and patient harm. … Honest providers are closing their doors. Patients are suffering. CMS has the authority to act. The choice is clear. The time for action is now. We urge CMS to act immediately to stabilize the home health payment system. The integrity of the Medicare program and the well-being of millions of homebound patients depend on it."

To make comments:

https://www.regulations.gov/document/CMS-2025-0242-0002

https://homehealthcarenews.com/2025/08/cms-faces-flood-of-comments-opposing-2026-home-health-payment-rule

Home health operators and stakeholders have publicly criticized the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed home health payment

08/26/2025

Representatives are in their districts NOW.

08/25/2025

Let’s pause to celebrate the elders in our communities—keepers of wisdom, history, and tradition.

Their stories inspire us, their resilience grounds us, and their continual contributions enrich every generation.

And they know how to have a good time!

Spend some time with a senior this week!

08/21/2025

Portions of the Big Beautiful Bill will result in federal funding changes for Medicaid.

🛑 CMS guidance will be key on the actual impact.

Now is the time for ALL Providers to meet with their local member of the House of Delegates and Virginia State Senate.

Tell them about your business and how important increases in reimbursement are to your community, workers and your small business.

If you don’t know who your member of the House of Delegates or Virginia State Senate is go to

08/18/2025

Stop the claw back!

👉 Federal regulators are intensifying the review of Medicaid reimbursement claims.

🔹 Small details in documentation can mean big dollars!

Agencies should double down on education and documentation to avoid delays, denials, or claw backs that can impact care delivery.

We’ve fine-tuned this process from decades of real-world experience and accounting for all gaps and roadblocks.

💵 You can’t afford not to do this.

08/11/2025

Both opportunity and potential crisis:

👉 Virginia’s and West Virginia’s populations are growing older, and by 2030, nearly a quarter will be over age 65.

While this shift brings challenges, it’s also sparking growth and innovation in home-based care, making now the perfect time to operationalize new strategies.

📈 Some home care agencies are capitalizing on this, bettering operations and evolving service levels.

💡 Peer networking brings new ideas… check out our member network.

08/08/2025

Recent reports this summer highlight ongoing shortages of home care workers across Virginia and West Virginia, emphasizing the urgent need for recruitment, training, and retention.

Agencies are getting creative—

· offering flexible schedules,

· tuition support,

· peer mentorship

· targeted training —

Need ready to go training, leadership sessions and peer connections?

VAHC – a one stop solution. Ask about our membership models.

07/29/2025

West Virginia - we need your support!

Telehealth is making a real difference in home care for rural West Virginia, where long distances and provider shortages often make traditional care challenging.

By connecting patients directly to health professionals, telehealth allows for real-time monitoring, timely support, and personalized care plans—all without leaving home.

Recent initiatives show high satisfaction among both providers and clients, as telehealth helps ensure consistent, quality care for those who need it most.

Telehealth is proving essential for improving outcomes and supporting independence in West Virginia’s rural communities.

This progress cannot be thwarted – advocacy for home care must continue.

West Virginia - We need your support!

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07/24/2025

Medicaid reimbursement rates are under more scrutiny than ever, as federal regulators tighten oversight to ensure payments are accurate and reflect the true cost of care.

Recent changes have moved rate review authority to the federal level, raising the stakes for agencies to maintain documentation and compliance.

🛑 With the threat of withheld federal funds for noncompliance, it’s crucial for home care providers to stay informed and prepared.

🌟 VAHC has been navigating reimbursement and recouping money for decades. It takes a combination of a network, expertise and proactive guidance.

Agencies cannot afford to go it alone.

Ask about VAHC membership models.

07/23/2025

This Parents’ Day, let’s recognize the countless individuals who are caring for their parents...

often while balancing work, other family, and a personal life.

The act of giving back to those who once cared for us as children is a powerful expression of love and gratitude.

👉 And it recognizes and honors those parents 365 days a year.

GiveBack

07/17/2025

🚨 CRITICAL ACTION NEEDED: Home Care is Under Threat 🚨

A proposed 9% Medicare reimbursement cut for home health services in 2026 is unimaginable — and unacceptable.

If this goes through, it will further weaken an industry already battling workforce shortages, managed care burdens, and unsustainable costs.

Home care agency leaders - this is the time to act.

This isn’t just a provider issue. If you or a loved one relies on home care, you must speak up. Your access to care, your caregivers, and your future are at risk.

🗓️ Between July 24 and September 2, your Congressional representatives will be back in their local district offices. This is your moment. A 10-minute visit can make the difference.

🎯 Here’s what to do:

Call their DC office and ask to schedule a meeting in the district.

Share your story — what this cut will do to your patients, your family, your community.

Urge them to oppose CMS–1828–P and protect home care.

👥 We must show up as ONE unified home care community. Our voices matter — but only if we raise them, together.

💥 NOW is the time to act.

💬 Need help preparing? We’re here to support you. We've got suggested talking points. Reach out!

07/08/2025

With more seniors receiving care at home, managing multiple medications has become a daily reality for many home care aides.

Ensuring medication safety is not just about following instructions; it’s about recognizing risks, spotting side effects, and knowing when to act.

Home care aides are a critical extra pair of eyes.

It’s another reason why training home care aides in medication management is so vital.

VAHC members lead the way … ask about the latest training resources to help aides confidently navigate these complex situations, ultimately keeping clients safer and healthier at home.