OAHC Position Papers2020 OAHC State and Federal PositionsNever before has access to home health care been more important than it is today. COVID-19 has created circumstances that require those who can stay home to stay home. This is particularly true with our seniors who are more at risk for complications from COVID-19. Projections suggest 75% of Americans over 65 manage multiple chronic health conditions. It is imperative that our seniors have access to home health care so they can manage these conditions and any other issues that require them to access health care, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Home health care brings proven cost savings to health care, promotes better patient outcomes, provides access to the latest therapies and medical technology, and is the patient preferred setting for medical care, especially now. The Oregon Legislature and Congress should protect and expand access to home health care, eliminate barriers to its provision, and work to expand its use as an effective solution to rising health care costs and an effective way to manage patient health in this crisis. The Oregon Association for Home Care (OAHC), in our effort to preserve access and quality of care in the delivery of home care, has identified the following State and Federal priorities for 2020 and beyond. State Priorities
Federal Priorities Support and Protect Home Care Front Line Workers– Now, more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based care has come to the forefront as a way to keep those at the highest risk for the virus at home while receiving the care they need under the watchful eye of a home care professional. However, in the absence of support, the safety and retention of this workforce is in jeopardy at a time when it is most needed. Congress and appropriate federal agencies must take a series of steps to ensure retention and recruitment of a home care workforce with all available and proper safety equipment during the public health emergency. Support Additional COVID-19 Funding and Relief for Home Care – We thank Congress and CMS for its support to date, including suspension of Medicare sequestration, financial relief from the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund, and the allowance for non-physician practitioners to certify home health eligibility. While all helpful, additional support and relief is vital to stabilizing our industry and optimizing home health and hospice agencies’ ability to be a part of the pandemic solution. Congress should take additional steps in supporting agencies by:
Every January, the OAHC Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee drafts (and the Board approves) key priority positions of the association. This Position Paper details the top state and federal issues that Oregon agencies are most concerned about. The identification of these issues comes from the OAHC annual Advocacy Survey conducted in the fall as well as from the National Association for Home Care and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's top federal priorities. Archive2019 Oregon Position Paper 2018 Oregon Position Paper 2017 Oregon Position Paper |