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As a reminder, the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31st. We strive to give you a highly-valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
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A Message from the President & CEO Linda MowBray: Our Kansas Commitment
Last week, we told you that the month of March and the Legislature were showing their “lion” side. Now at the end of week ten, the Legislature has begun to show their wild and whacky side as the race to first adjournment begins. First adjournment is scheduled for April 5, 2024. They will return April 25 to take up unfinished business and create an omnibus bill. The veto session begins April 29.
Tempers continued to flare over amendments being offered to bills that substantially change the focus or intent of the proposed legislation. None of our bills have been adversely affected by this to date. This may be directly correlated with the announced hearings next week on Medicaid expansion.
The Medicaid Expansion hearings are next Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. The Senate Ways and Means and Public Health and Welfare Committees are meeting jointly at 10:30 am in Room 346-S. The House Health and Human Services Committee is meeting at 1:00 pm in room 112-N. KHCA/KCAL will not be testifying.
Also, next week, The House will finalize their agency budgets for FY25. As we go into that process, our funds are still intact for a full rebase, $19.58 per Medicaid day add-on and an increase to HCBS rates.
The Senate has already finalized their agency budgets and our full rebase and a $10 per Medicaid day add-on are in that package. This still puts us in great shape for a compromise in conference committee once the House has passed its version.
Outside the Dome, KDADS will be meeting with us Tuesday March 19, 2024, for a preliminary look at the July 1, 2024, nursing home rates. These rates will be based on estimates. However, we will get a first glimpse at the impact of PDPM on rates.
Should you have questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
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Follow Up Resources from today’s NAC and Facility Standards Call
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Change Healthcare Update: CMS Posts Accelerated Payments FAQs
Clarifications Address Provider Eligibility Questions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday posted a fact sheet with additional guidance for providers and Medicare Administrative Contractors impacted by the Change Healthcare security incident. The fact sheet specifically focuses on frequently asked questions about implementing the Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) Accelerated Payments program.
This information comes following AHCA/NCAL’s participation in a roundtable discussion earlier this week with the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and other health care community leaders to discuss ways to mitigate patient and provider harms caused by the cyberattack. Additionally, AHCA/NCAL submitted written questions and proposed solutions to HHS and CMS to help clarify the recently issued Accelerated Payment guidance.
In the CMS Fact Sheet, there are two Application Criteria FAQs that may be especially helpful for providers:
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Question 6: Clarifies that a skilled nursing facility receiving a Periodic Interim Payments (PIP) for bad debts but does not receive Medicare Part A PPS payments via PIPs is eligible to receive an Accelerated Payment if all other requirements are met.
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Question 10: Clarifies that a provider is eligible to receive an Accelerated Payment if they are experiencing a delay in claims submission and processing, which has resulted in a disruption of some Medicare claims payments related to this cyber incident. All other requirements must also be met. CMS does not require providers to quantify the level or percentage of impact to their Medicare claims.
AHCA/NCAL will continue to advocate on behalf of impacted members and provide updates. Please reach out to Grant Beebe or Dan Ciolek with any questions.
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April 2024 Medicaid Training Opportunities
Looking for an opportunity to expand your knowledge of Kansas Medicaid and KanCare? Look no further than the upcoming Medicaid training courses the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Health Care Finance (KDHE-DHCF) offers!
These interactive, instructor-led courses are available to the public, state agencies, and stakeholders interested in learning more about these vital programs. With eight courses beginning on April 2, now is the perfect time to register and secure your spot. Whether you want to learn more about Medicaid policies, procedures, or eligibility requirements, these courses provide valuable insights and information. READ MORE
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CDC: Health facilities were site of over 50 percent of drinking water outbreaks between 2015-2020
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report published Thursday revealed that pathogens including legionella and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are the top causes of waterborne disease outbreaks in the US — and most originate from public water systems that reach nursing homes and assisted living communities. READ MORE
Learn more about how to prevent Legionella with this webinar an AHCANCALEd. Presented by Nimalie D. Stone, MD, MSMD, MS with the CDC.
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United Healthcare Security Breach and provider training through ASPR
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Have you had Medicaid Applications lost with KDHE?
Please take a moment to let us know by using the link below:
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Operator Registration Renewals have been sent. Renewal Period Opens March 15th
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Attention Nursing Facilities - Are You Using Contract Labor? If so, This Webinar Applies to You!
Listen to legal experts on how the new final rule will impact your workplace as long term care provider, and get your pressing questions answered.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what this new final rule means to you as a long term care provider and how to limit potential risk for employee misclassification claims
- Understand how this new final rule differs from the guidance provided in the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule
- Learn more on the ongoing legislative efforts around worker classification issues
- Prepare to meet the compliance effective date
Handouts can be found here.
Listen to the recorded webinar here. (AHCA login required.)
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AHCA/NCAL Working To Advocate For Patients, Providers On MA Reform
Provider Magazine (3/11, Kaldy, 151K) reported, "A flurry of television commercials, often featuring celebrities, brought Medicare Advantage (MA) to the attention of millions of Americans with promises of great and innovative benefits." But, "after enrollments surged, reality didn’t necessarily live up to the hype, and MA plans have come under scrutiny by the government and various stakeholder organizations, including the" AHCA/NCAL. While "these efforts have resulted in some positive changes," the article said that "more needs to be done. In the meantime, understanding how to work with these plans and advocate for your residents can make a difference." AHCA/NCAL "has identified several MA-related challenges for providers," and the organization "continues to follow developments related to MA and is working to advocate for patients and providers." AHCA/NCAL Reimbursement Policy Senior Vice President Martin Allen, CPA, said, "Providers are seeing lower reimbursements with MA plans, as well as numerous restrictions on authorized stays. ... In the last two years, there has been more regulatory activity directed at MA plans, which is good news for our residents and providers. But more work is needed to ensure that MA plans follow the new rules, and we are staying on top of that." Furthermore, AHCA/NCAL Reimbursement Policy and Population Health Vice President Nisha Hammel said it is important to help patients "understand that you will make assessments and recommendations and advocate for them but that you are not the final decision-maker. ... We want to ensure they have successful outcomes. We can help by making sure that beneficiaries are aware of their rights and how to advocate for themselves. Then we can support them with their appeals as necessary."
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Shape the Future: Register for Congressional Briefing 🏛 🏛
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Washington, DC| June 3-4, 2024
Together We Have the Power to Make a Difference!
Experience the power of advocacy firsthand at Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC. Meet personally with your elected Representatives in Congress and learn to effectively engage with policymakers. With AHCA/NCAL's guidance, you will gain the skills to advocate for critical issues facing the long term care industry and make your voice heard where it matters most.
In addition to learning about the latest legislative and policy developments, you will also have the opportunity to network with colleagues, hear from renowned speakers, and earn Continuing Education credits.
Register now and join us in Washington, DC in June for this dynamic two-day event.
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Assisted Living Conference
April 19, 2024
8:00AM - 4:00PM
Lawrence, KS
The hotel room block expires on Tuesday, March 19th!
A full day of education for those working in the Assisted Living, Residential Health Care and Home Plus settings.
Education Topics Include:
- Igniting Creative Courage – Opening Keynote
- Update from the Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Enhancing Senior Care Through Collaborative Partnerships – Jill Schewe, NCAL
- A New Approach to Recruitment and Retention
- Navigating Challenging Personalities
- Creative Engagement
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Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Pain Management
3/19/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Joint Provider Surveyor Training
March 19 - Topeka, KS
March 20 - Wichita, KS
March 20 - Virtual
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Adult Care Home Operators Course
3/27 - 4/8/24
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Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Reducing Risks Related to Quality of Care
4/9/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Leadership for Charge Nurses
4/16/24 - 9:30AM-3:15PM - Salina, KS
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Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Elopement Risk and Incidents
4/16/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Caring for a New Generation in Assisted Living
4/17/24 - 1:00PM-2:00PM
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Assisted Living Conference
4/19/24 - 8:00AM-4:00PM - Lawrence, KS
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Administrator in Training (AIT) Program
Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.
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Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833
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