HCAOA The Voice Summer 2019

Veterans Affairs Changing Its Approach Toward Home Care 20 HCAOA The Voice PUBLIC POLICY We have had a number of HCAOA members contact us in response to the U.S. Department of Veter- ans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) request for information on reported concerns related to delayed payments to contracted companies providing home care services. The OIG has responded accordingly to assist HCAOA members with these concerns. HCAOA has previously reported on VA payment delays along with other concerns with the depart- ment’s payment system. The OIG is charged with conducting effective oversight of the programs and operations of the VA through independent audits, inspections, reviews, and investigations. In addition, there are updates regarding the VA Mission Act, which was signed into law on June 6, 2018, replacing the VA Choice Act. The Mission Act contains significant new caregiver supports for all veterans, but the changes are not without some confusion. On April 10, 2019, the VA issued a letter to home care providers who are providing services to veterans. The letter notified them of changes to come stat- ing that the VA would be using Veterans Care Agreements (VCA) instead of existing contracts and that this would begin as of June 6, 2019. The VA has indicated to HCAOA that a decision to extend existing contracts to September 30, 2019 has been approved in order to make sure that care is not disrupted while the VCA rollout occurs. HCAOA will keep you updated as this story develops. ISSUE DEADLINE Fall ‘18 July 30 Winter ‘19 Nov 12 Spring ‘19 Jan 28 Summer ‘19 May 17 ADVERTISING RATES STARTING AT $900! •  eNewsletter Ads Available • Advertise in The Voice! Advertising in the Home Care Association of America’s The Voice magazine is the perfect way to reach the key decision makers of home care companies and organizations throughout America. With a circulation of over 24,000 copies distributed quarterly in electronic format and 3,200 copies biannually in print format, HCAOA now has opportunities for you to reach your target audience like never before! HCAOA members represent millions of dollars in purchasing power each year. If you are a company that serves the home care market, you don’t want to miss this opportunity! For more information, please contact Katy Patterson at 503-445-2244 or katy@llmpubs.com. ISSUE Fall ‘19 AD DEADLINE July 29