ADVOCACY UPDATE

More Than 100 HCA Members Mobilize Support for Home Care Rate Reform

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

The strong response demonstrates growing momentum behind the Alliance and Enough Pay to Stay Coalition’s push for long-term reform to Massachusetts home care reimbursement rates.

Over the past two weeks, Home Care Alliance members across Massachusetts responded to an advocacy alert urging lawmakers to support Representatives Carmine Gentile and Tom Stanley’s amendment to the FY27 House budget.

The amendment aimed to incorporate the Alliance and Enough Pay to Stay Coalition’s rate-setting reform legislation into the House budget process — legislation designed to establish a more transparent and sustainable framework for determining home care reimbursement rates in Massachusetts.

Although the amendment was ultimately not included in the final House budget, the campaign generated significant legislative engagement and visibility around the issue. Through direct outreach from providers, agency leaders, clinicians, and member organizations, the amendment secured 29 legislative co-sponsors — an important demonstration of growing support for reform.

The Alliance and coalition partners continue to advocate for reimbursement structures that reflect the actual cost of delivering care, support workforce stability, and protect access to services for older adults and medically complex patients across the Commonwealth.

As the budget process shifts to the State Senate, additional advocacy opportunities are expected in the coming weeks. Continued participation from members will remain critical as conversations around workforce pressures, reimbursement adequacy, and long-term sustainability continue at the State House.