CMS releases updated HHVBP reports reflecting corrected 2025 risk adjustment processing and preview measures for the CY 2026 scoring transition.

CMS has posted the Preliminary April 2026 Interim Performance Reports for the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model, including corrected OASIS-based calculations, updated benchmarks, and revised CY 2026 measure previews ahead of this fall’s scoring transition.

Member advocacy generated 29 legislative co-sponsors for key FY27 budget amendment focused on sustainable home care reimbursement reform.

Over the past two weeks, more than 100 Home Care Alliance member contacts reached out to their State Representatives in support of Representatives Carmine Gentile and Tom Stanley’s FY27 budget amendment tied to the Alliance and Enough Pay to Stay Coalition’s rate-setting reform legislation. While the amendment was not included in the final House budget, the campaign secured 29 legislative co-sponsors — a strong signal of growing support for long-term reimbursement reform and sustainable investment in care at home.

What agencies need to know before the June 15 deadline

CHIA has released updated guidance for the FY2025 Home Health Cost Report, including new submission requirements and stricter documentation standards. Here’s what providers need to do now to stay compliant.

Claims denials will replace compliance monitoring—making EVV accuracy a direct revenue issue

MassHealth is shifting EVV enforcement to hard edits, meaning non-compliant visits may result in denied claims. Upcoming trainings offer a critical window for providers to prepare their systems, workflows, and teams before enforcement begins.

Building a workforce that sees the home as a place for meaningful, supported clinical care

A conversation with nursing students highlights a clear priority for the next generation of clinicians: safety, support, and confidence in delivering care at home.

CCA confirms refunds on certain recovery actions while maintaining position on UD modifier-related overpayments

Following discussions with HCA, Commonwealth Care Alliance will return previously recouped funds tied to inpatient overlap claims—but providers should expect continued scrutiny around UD modifier billing and be prepared to review and dispute as needed.

Proposed $63.3B plan reflects cautious spending, with home care increases tied to utilization—not rates

The Massachusetts House has released its FY27 budget, citing federal uncertainty and fiscal pressures. While funding for home care programs grows, advocates note the increases reflect demand—not new investment—prompting renewed push for rate reform.

National effort aims to document provider experience and shape future education and advocacy on audit practices

Providers who have undergone UPIC audits are being asked to share their experience—helping identify common triggers, administrative burden, and opportunities to improve how audits are conducted and supported.

Alliance backs value-based care goals but says proposal lacks clarity, sustainability

State officials aim to modernize home-based care. Providers say the plan, as written, risks limiting access for the patients who need it most. Massachusetts is advancing major changes to home health policy—adding new requirements and payment models without increasing reimbursement. State officials say the changes will modernize care. Providers say the system may not be resourced to keep up.

Massachusetts leaders intensify focus as spending outpaces benchmarks

With health care spending rising faster than targets for the fourth straight year, state leaders are zeroing in on cost containment. As pressure builds, home and community-based care is emerging as a practical, scalable solution to help bend the cost curve while maintaining access and quality.

We are notifying you that CMS has issued an updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS‑R‑131. The new version is effective now and remains valid through March 31, 2029. Providers may continue using the previous (expired) version until May 12, 2026, but must transition to the updated form by that date. Please download the updated ABN form from the CMS website. We have provided the link below.

MassHealth Proposes Updates to Home Health and Hospice Regulations

MassHealth has released proposed updates to home health and hospice regulations, including new value-based payment rates, clarified clinical eligibility criteria, and alignment with EVV and telehealth standards. While hospice rates remain unchanged, the home health proposals introduce structural shifts that agencies should review closely ahead of the August 2026 implementation.

Long before home-based care became a formal healthcare service, women in communities across the country were already doing the work.

In the late 1800s, as the Industrial Revolution accelerated and cities grew rapidly, many families were living in crowded conditions with limited sanitation and access to healthcare. Infant mortality was high, communicable diseases spread quickly, and many families had little knowledge of basic hygiene and infant care.

Does your Agency perform annual fit testing for N95 respirators?

One question survey.

National Alliance urges balanced approach to HCBS program integrity

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expanding Medicaid fraud enforcement efforts nationwide, including a recent federal funding review affecting 14 states, among them Massachusetts. In response, the National Alliance for Care at Home issued 13 recommendations to strengthen Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) oversight while protecting compliant providers. Outgoing CEO Steven Landers cautioned that enforcement must not further strain legitimate agencies serving an already under-resourced system.

Emergency preparedness resources to help agencies document storm response and strengthen readiness

With another winter storm on the way, HCA is reminding members to use the Severe Winter Storm EP Tip Sheet and After-Action Report (AAR) template available in the Member Hub to document plan activation, care decisions, and lessons learned—supporting both DPH and accreditation expectations. Members are also encouraged to take advantage of a free, self-paced Emergency Preparedness Plan Training offered by Nevvon, providing practical guidance agencies can use immediately.

FY27 Budget Signals Modest Growth for Home-Based Care Amid Fiscal Constraints

Governor Healey’s $63.4 billion FY27 budget proposal increases funding for MassHealth and home care services but freezes rates and emphasizes cost containment. With lagging state revenues and anticipated federal cuts ahead, the administration is signaling a year focused on sustainability, program reform, and identifying savings—setting the stage for tougher decisions in FY28.

Telehealth flexibilities, hospice policies, and Hospital-at-Home waivers extended under new federal funding bill

The U.S. House has approved a federal funding package that extends several critical health care policies impacting home health and hospice providers. The legislation continues Medicare telehealth flexibilities, preserves hospice survey funding, adjusts future hospice cap calculations, and extends Hospital-at-Home waivers—providing near-term stability while Congress considers longer-term reforms.

Uncertainty for Haitian Workers

As Massachusetts braces for a possible February 3 end to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, a new snapshot from home care agencies across the state suggests the impact will not be abstract. It will be measured in canceled visits, disrupted care plans, and families suddenly left without help.

Home Care Alliance board members recognized nationally for innovation, growth, and leadership in a challenging care environment

Home Health Care News has named two Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts board members—Renee McInnes of Croi Health and Holly Chaffee of Care Central VNA & Hospice—among its 2025 Executives to Watch, a national honor awarded to just twelve leaders across the country.

Temporary Nurse Staffing Legislation Advances

Alliance-supported legislation advancing in the Senate would extend limits on temporary nurse staffing contracts to home health and hospice, a move aimed at curbing unsustainable staffing costs and protecting access to care.

EOHHS encourages expanded participation in Career Ladder Program

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has asked the Home Care Alliance to help expand participation in the Career Ladder Program, a funded initiative that supports home health and Continuous Skilled Nursing agencies in developing their workforce. With funding still available, EOHHS is seeking additional providers interested in helping direct-care staff advance to Licensed Practical Nurse roles through tuition support, coaching, and wage stipends.

CY 2026 payment update is less severe than proposed, with long-term implications for PDGM adjustments

CMS finalized a 1.3% reduction in home health payments for 2026—far below initial projections—while signaling a possible end to major PDGM-related adjustments and a more stable path ahead.

A Simple Way to Make a Big Impact This Giving Tuesday

The Foundation for Home Health has launched its annual Giving Tuesday campaign, supporting the Alliance’s mission to keep high-quality training, education, and professional development accessible to home care and hospice providers across Massachusetts. Donations to the Foundation help strengthen our workforce and ensure agencies of all sizes have the resources they need to deliver exceptional care at home. If you’re able, we invite you to make a gift and invest in the people who make home care possible.

EVV enforcement, telehealth extensions, fiscal reporting, and program eligibility changes headline November stakeholder briefing

At its November 18 stakeholder meeting, MassHealth delivered a wide-ranging set of updates that will shape home health operations throughout 2025–2026. From tightening EVV compliance to extending telehealth flexibilities and outlining new SCO and ACO requirements, the state signaled a year of significant transition for providers.

Reframing Managed Care Advocacy Around the Patients Who Pay the Price

We talk a lot about denied claims, low reimbursement, and administrative headaches. But what moves policymakers isn’t our frustration with Medicare Advantage—it’s what those decisions mean for real patients who lose services, decline at home, or never get the care they were promised. By sharing concrete patient stories, we can make those consequences impossible to ignore and drive the reforms our patients deserve.

CMS Outlines New Limits on State Provider Taxes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

New federal guidance spells out how CMS will enforce H.R. 1’s crackdown on provider taxes—restricting states from creating new health-care-related taxes or increasing existing ones after July 4, 2025. With a phased reduction in allowable provider tax collections starting in 2027, states will face tighter revenue caps and far less flexibility in financing their Medicaid share. The agency’s clarification makes one thing clear: any tax not fully enacted and imposed by the signing date is off the table.

National speaker Steve Weiss will deliver powerful, practical strategies for agencies looking to grow in 2026 at next month's Home Care Symposium in Worcester. His sessions consistently get top marks for clarity, energy, and real-world application. This event isn’t just for private home care. Home health and hospice leaders will get just as much value from Steve’s approach to sales, operations, and team performance. If building your business is a priority for 2026, you need to be in the room.

We have rolled into week 6 of the government shutdown, that went into effect on October 1st. As we have report the last 3 weeks, sadly, with the government shutdown, that means that telehealth F2F flexibilities lapsed. Effective 12:00 a.m. on October 1st, F2F encounters for certification and recertification must be conducted in person. Audio-visual telehealth is no longer acceptable to meet this requirement.

“Food is medicine.”

That’s how our 2025 Clinician of the Year, Barbara Canuel, Registered Dietitian at Community Nurse Home Care, framed her approach to care. We couldn’t agree more — and in times like these, it’s worth remembering that food isn’t just medicine; I think we'd also agree that it is a right, too.

Setting the Standard for Quality Home Care

The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts is proud to announce that South Shore Visiting Nurse Association has successfully achieved Accreditation through the HCA Accreditation Program, joining a growing network of agencies committed to excellence and accountability in home care.

Advocates Urge Congress to Stop Historic Home Health Rate Cuts

Over 150 organizations including HCA, called on Congress to prevent what would be the largest rate cut ever for home health providers. The letter, led by the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) and LeadingAge, said that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has destabilized the home health program and called on congressional leaders to intervene. The letter was also addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Min

New Reports and Guidance Aim to Improve Quality and Documentation in Home Health

MassHealth’s Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (OLTSS) recently hosted a Quality Forum for Home Health Agencies, led in collaboration with Optum. The session focused on helping agencies strengthen operations, improve documentation practices, and understand new tools available through the LTSS Provider Portal.

Employers with 25 or more employees must disclose wage ranges in job postings and to current staff

Beginning October 29, 2025, Massachusetts employers with 25 or more employees must include salary ranges in job postings and provide pay range information to current employees upon request. The Home Care Alliance urges all agency members to review their hiring and HR practices now to ensure compliance with this new state requirement.

Celebrating the People and Stories Behind Care at Home

November is National Home Care and Hospice Month—a time to honor the dedicated professionals who make care at home possible and to share the stories that show its impact. The Home Care Alliance is leading a month-long campaign to raise awareness among the public and policymakers, featuring real stories from patients, caregivers, and agencies. We invite your organization to join us by submitting photos and stories that reflect the difference home care makes. Submissions will be featured in our State House exhibit through

Practical, expert-led courses built for today’s home care and hospice professionals

The Alliance’s new On-Demand Learning Platform makes professional growth easier than ever. Start with two complimentary lessons, including Producing Single-Digit Readmissions in Home Health and Keys to Providing Effective Reimbursable Care. More courses and CEU options are coming soon—log in and start learning today.

Federal rural health funding may open doors for home care and hospice innovation in Massachusetts.

Beyond the headlines about Medicaid cuts, the OBBA contains a surprising bright spot: a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program that could deliver major federal funding for home health and hospice providers. Amid concern over the OBBA’s potential impact on Medicaid, HCA is working to ensure that Massachusetts agencies don’t miss a rare opportunity—access to billions in federal funds for workforce development, technology, and value-based care.

Join HCA in honoring the caregivers and patients who make home the center of care.

National Home Care and Hospice Month is a time to celebrate the people and programs that make it possible for Massachusetts residents to receive care where they want to be—home. Share your stories and photos to help us bring this message to the State House.

No resolution in sight: providers must now adapt to reinstated in-person certification rules amid ongoing gridlock.

Three weeks into the government shutdown, there’s still no movement from Congress or the White House — and with it, the pandemic-era telehealth F2F allowances have lapsed. Providers must revert to in-person certification visits, while telehealth remains limited to special circumstances.

From Boston’s neighborhoods to the Berkshires, new data highlights where older adults are thriving—and where support is needed most.

What does healthy aging look like where you live? A new report from the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative pulls together extensive data on chronic conditions, hospitalization rates, social support, and more—offering a detailed snapshot of aging across the Commonwealth.

Providers must meet new auto-verification thresholds under MassHealth’s Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements, with the first compliance checkpoint due December 5, 2025.

The time period for providers to dispute any compliance letters received by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) ended on October 5th. MassHealth is currently reviewing a list of providers who may not be currently serving any MassHealth members and potentially should not have received a compliance notice. MassHealth does not intend to issue sanctions at this point, but providers are required to come into checkpoint 1 compliance (30 percent of auto-verified visits) by December 5th, 2025.

Home Care Symposium — December 10, Worcester, MA

The New England Home Care & Hospice Educational Collaborative is bringing Steve “The Hurricane” Weiss and Home Care Evolution by Hurricane Marketing Enterprises to Worcester on December 10—for one powerful day.

As we watch the news of a prolonged federal shutdown and feel uncertainty pressing in from every side, it’s natural to feel uneasy—even a little fearful. But someone reminded me recently, we’ve been here before.

Updated PPE Guidance for the 2025–2026 Respiratory Season

As cold and flu season ramps up, PPE protocols remain unchanged—but clarity is key. The Alliance has created a concise one-page PPE Guidance Tool to help your teams follow best practices for protection, donning and doffing, and aerosol-generating procedures.

Home Care Alliance Priority Bill Moves to Senate Ways & Means

The Home Care Alliance’s rate setting reform bill took a key step forward this week. S. 870, An Act Clarifying Rate Setting Processes for Home Health and Home Care Services, would ensure greater transparency and accountability in how state reimbursement rates are determined—reflecting the true cost of providing care in the home.

Federal authority lapsed at midnight, but MassHealth confirms continued telehealth access for its members.

The Home Care Alliance is tracking the evolving situation in Washington and working with MassHealth to clarify what the changes mean for home health and hospice providers.

Sharing Stories of Comfort, Independence, and Care at Home

This November, we honor the more than 200 agencies and countless caregivers who make it possible for patients to heal, live independently, or find peace at the end of life surrounded by loved ones. We invite patients and caregivers to share their stories for a special State House display—showing why home care matters and the difference it makes every day.

The Home Care Alliance’s top legislative priority—reforming how the state sets reimbursement rates for home care and home health services—hit a pause this week on Beacon Hill.

HCA's priority legislation to reform rate setting for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE) home care program and MassHealth's home health/Continuous Skilled Nursing programs was stalled this week in the Committee on Health Care Financing.

Hospice & Home Health F2F telehealth could expire next week without enacted funding—prepare now. Extensions look likely but not locked. Avoid disruption by auditing Hospice & Home Health F2F timelines now, informing clinicians and patients, and sending Congress your support for permanent telehealth.

Extensions look likely but not locked. Avoid disruption by auditing Hospice & Home Health F2F timelines now, informing clinicians and patients, and sending Congress your support for permanent telehealth. Good news: both House and Senate proposals extend F2F telehealth. Reality check: a shutdown could still cause a temporary gap on Sept. 30. Review encounter due dates now and email your Members of Congress using our advocacy tool.

Massachusetts advocates join national push to protect patients and providers

Yesterday, the Home Care Alliance stood with 230+ advocates in Washington, DC to meet with more than 300 Members of Congress. Together, we urged lawmakers to reject harmful Medicare cuts, safeguard hospice, make telehealth flexibilities permanent, and monitor the impact of OBBBA on Medicaid programs. Even if you couldn’t join us, you can still take action—send a message to your Member of Congress today.

Massachusetts Breaks from Federal Vaccine Policy

Amid uncertainty at the federal level, Massachusetts is taking independent steps to ensure residents maintain access to critical vaccines. New measures include empowering pharmacies to administer DPH-approved vaccines, mandating insurance coverage beyond CDC recommendations, and launching a Northeast regional collaboration.

Strengthening the Case Against CMS Cuts

The Home Care Alliance (HCA) recently joined forces with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association (MHA) to submit comments opposing CMS’s proposed payment cuts in the CY2026 Home Health Rule. In its letter, MHA emphasized that unsuccessful referrals lead to higher mortality, readmissions, and costlier nursing home care. HCA is grateful for MHA’s strong stance, which underscores the growing partnership between hospitals and home health providers to safeguard access and stability across the care continuum.

Progress on Claims Denials and New Policy Communication

HCA continues to work with MassHealth and Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA) staff to address this summer’s claims denial issues. While CCA has begun reprocessing claims and issuing payments, agencies experiencing ongoing problems should contact Jake Krilovich. Beginning October 1, CCA will distribute monthly policy updates to providers, with the August bulletin covering third-party liability (TPL) rules and when CCA may serve as a secondary payer.

Strengthening the nursing workforce by connecting students with CSN agencies.

HCA, in partnership with MassHealth, is coordinating classroom presentations with Massachusetts nursing schools. CSN members can showcase home care as a career path, build relationships with future nurses, and highlight the critical work of our industry. Agencies interested in participating should contact HCA to get involved.

Strategies, Insights & Innovation for Financial Leaders in Home Care & Hospice

Join financial leaders in home care and hospice for a full day of expert insights, practical strategies, and collaborative discussions to strengthen financial planning and success.

Home-based care providers invited to share insights to shape the future of the industry

BerryDunn’s 2025 National Healthcare at Home Best Practices and Future Insights Study is underway. Providers have until August 18, 2025 to participate in the initial survey and help identify the top challenges, innovations, and best practices in home-based care.

Federal Enforcement Paused, but State Wage Protections Still Apply

The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended enforcement of its 2013 rule limiting the companionship exemption for third-party employers, but Massachusetts home care agencies remain bound by state minimum wage and overtime laws. This pause reopens debate over balancing client care continuity with fair pay for direct care workers.

Earlier this week, HCA met with MassHealth and CHIA regarding the newly added supplemental cost report data being asked of Home Health and CSN agencies. HCA conveyed significant concerns that providers will be unable to meet the reporting deadline (mid-September) due to the difficulty in extracting the data being requested. HCA requested that CHIA reconsider this request, or at minimum, significantly delay its due date. HCA explained that many Electronic Medical Record systems are not currently configured to extract the

Advocates for 10% Increase for Agencies, Cautions Against Independent Rate Boosts

At recent MassHealth and CHIA forums, HCA strongly backed a 10% CSN rate hike—but only for agency-based care. The Alliance raised safety concerns with the Independent Nurse program and warned against wage pass-throughs that could undercut agency-led training and benefits.

Massachusetts Takes Step Toward Regulating Non-Medical Home Care Services

A key Alliance-backed bill has cleared its first legislative hurdle, paving the way for standardized licensure of non-medical home care. The early action gives advocates more time to educate lawmakers and push for passage before the session ends in July 2026.

This funding aims to cover budgetary shortfalls within the program from previous fiscal years.

As we informed you last month, $60 million in supplemental funding to home care services through the Department of Aging and Independence (AGE) Home Care Program was making its way through the legislative process, but stalled. This funding aims to cover budgetary shortfalls within the program from previous fiscal years

Major immigration shift impacts care industry workforce.

DHS ends CHNV parole program; employers urged to review compliance and workforce plans

Longer Hospital Stays, Less Post-Acute Care Are Reshaping Home Health Demands

A new study shows Medicare Advantage patients are spending more time in hospitals but receiving less post-acute care — sending sicker, higher-acuity patients home. Home care providers must navigate rising care demands while advocating for needed resources.

Thousands in Outstanding Payments Stall as Home Care Agencies Face Delays

The Home Care Alliance is advocating on behalf of members experiencing significant payment delays and billing problems with Commonwealth Care Alliance. Agencies are urged to report outstanding claims to strengthen collective action.

Championing Fairness in Home Care Rate Setting

The Alliance testified in support of H.767/S.850, a bill aimed at ensuring home care rates reflect actual operating costs. Join us in advocating for fair rate setting—learn how to submit your written testimony today.

Alliance Argues for More Regulations To Strengthen Patient Safety

MassHealth held a public hearing to hear remarks on their proposed PCA regulations. During the public hearing, HCA testified that addition regulations are needed for PCA services to boost patient safety.

HCA to Provide Testimony on H.767/S.850, Advocating for Transparency in Rate Setting

The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing will hold a public hearing on Tuesday at 10:00 AM EST on H.767/S.850, a bill that seeks to ensure rate-setting processes for home health and home care services reflect actual operating costs. HCA will testify in support of this important legislation.

Testimony Supports H.2408/S.1633, Giving DPH Authority to Regulate Staffing Costs for Home Health and Hospice Agencies

On Monday, HCA testified at a Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing in favor of H.2408/S.1633, a bill that would empower the Department of Public Health to set caps on the fees charged by temporary nurse staffing agencies. This bill aims to protect home health and hospice agencies from inflated staffing costs that have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the Alliance's position in the full testimony.

Potential Federal Changes Could Result in Loss of Coverage for Hundreds of Thousands and $1 Billion in State Funding Cuts

Proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate Massachusetts, putting healthcare access at risk for hundreds of thousands and threatening $1 billion in federal funding annually.

Massachusetts Agencies Collaborate to Improve Compliance with CMS and OSHA Disaster Preparedness Regulations

Home care providers across Massachusetts participated in a hands-on tabletop exercise on May 15, 2025, enhancing their emergency response strategies and strengthening compliance with CMS and OSHA disaster preparedness requirements.

CCA’s Acquisition by Care Source Resolves Financial Uncertainty, But Claims Issues Persist for Some Providers

Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA) has been acquired by Care Source, resolving financial uncertainties and resuming health plan enrollments. While CCA will maintain its name in Massachusetts, some certified home health agencies have faced claim denials. CCA is working to improve communication and policies during this transition.

Deportation Threat to Caregiver Highlights Human Cost of Immigration Crackdown and Workforce Shortages

Alfredo Orellana, a committed caregiver for a young man with severe autism, is at risk of deportation due to a minor offense from years past. His situation underscores the escalating effects of stricter immigration policies on an already overstretched workforce, placing vulnerable individuals like Luke, Alfredo’s client, in jeopardy