Blog
Archive January 2025
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Maine’s Supplemental Budget Update: HHS Committee Pushes for 1.95% COLA for Providers
- By: Angela Westhoff
- On: 01/30/2025 14:30:38
- In: Legislative/Government Affairs
The most relevant recommended change was the request for DHHS to continue its commitment to implementing a 1.95% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for long term care and other providers as soon as practical. This adjustment, aimed at addressing rising costs, remains a top priority for many within Maine’s health and social services sectors.
The committee’s advocacy for timely provider rate adjustments underscores the ongoing need to support essential services in the face of financial pressures. While details on implementation remain pending, this marks a positive step in ensuring providers receive necessary funding adjustments. The full letter from the HHS Committee can be viewed here.
Meanwhile, the Legislature is also beginning its work on the biennial budget, which will shape funding for the next two years. Hearings on the sections relevant to long term care are scheduled for February 12 and 14, offering an opportunity for MHCA and providers to weigh in on critical funding decisions.
We’ll continue tracking this issue and providing updates as the budget process moves forward.
bhawkins@mehca.org
Executive Order Freezing Federal Aid Rescinded and MaineCare Operations Continue Uninterrupted
- By: Angela Westhoff
- On: 01/30/2025 14:23:00
- In: Legislative/Government Affairs
Staff update: awesthoff@mehca.org
New Training Session Available Now!
- By: Maureen Booth
- On: 01/29/2025 15:34:50
- In: Education
Join us for an in-depth session designed to help long-term care professionals navigate the complexities of Imminent Jeopardy Citations. In this training, we'll explore the critical aspects of these citations, from statutory and regulatory requirements to the surveyor determination process and appeals. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of:
- What the statutes and regulations say about Imminent Jeopardy Citations.
- How surveyors make determinations and how these can change based on Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) guidance.
- The importance of rapid removal of the problem and effectively addressing the situation at hand.
- The different types of penalties associated with these citations.
- The appeals process: what it entails and the facility’s ability to overturn citations.
- Upcoming CMS changes and what they mean for facilities.Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to handle these challenging situations and protect your facility’s standing.
For more information on this training, including the registration link, please click here.
Maine UTI and C. Diff Reporting in NHSN is due February 15, 2024
- By: Maureen Carland
- On: 01/29/2025 12:18:10
- In: Quality/Regulatory
The February 15th reporting deadline is for Quarter 3 (July, August, September) 2024. Facilities must report for each quarter, including cases where no events occurred.
To avoid potential fines, please ensure data submission by the deadline.
Click here for additional information and resources for reporting C. Diff.
Click here for additional resources and information for UTI’s.
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org
H5 Bird Flu Preparedness
- By: Maureen Carland
- On: 01/29/2025 11:58:21
- In: Quality/Regulatory
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org
DHHS-provided Office Hours for Technical Assistance Related to Billing Questions
- By: Angela Westhoff
- On: 01/23/2025 17:17:50
- In: Legislative/Government Affairs
There is one more technical assistance office hour coming up on January 28th. Details below. Registration is required.
When: Jan 28, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/yr7nqMvNSyu4hbuF-jpzUA
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org
Updated Nursing Home Rate Letters are Now Posted Online
- By: Angela Westhoff
- On: 01/23/2025 17:17:28
- In: Legislative/Government Affairs
MHCA encourages providers to review their rate letters carefully and notify their us and their MaineCare provider relations specialist if they have any concerns or questions.
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org
1/23/25 Legislative Update
- By: Ben Hawkins
- On: 01/23/2025 17:11:53
- In: Legislative/Government Affairs
The Governor’s Supplemental Budget for FY 2025 includes a one-time $117.6 million allocation to address shortfalls in the MaineCare budget. This allocation is not tied to specific provider groups but aims to preserve access to services. The budget also includes a $3.6 million reduction in the nursing facility line, aligned with December 2024 revenue projections. However, this is a clerical fix to a previous administrative mistake and is not a cause for concern.
MHCA will continue advocating for meaningful reforms and funding that support the financial health of long term care providers. Angela Westhoff and the MHCA team are closely monitoring these developments and engaging with state leaders to address the needs of our members.
Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org
There is Still time to Win up to $2,500 with the Mike McNeil Cash Calendar Fundraiser!
- By: Ben Hawkins
- On: 01/23/2025 17:00:54
- In: Workforce
Time is running out to enter the Maine Health Care Association Scholarship Fund’s 2025 Cash Calendar! This is your chance to win daily cash prizes while supporting scholarships for Maine’s long term care employees.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Daily Cash Prizes: Every day in February, a lucky winner will take home a cash prize ranging from $50 to $500!
- Affordable Entry: Calendars are just $10 each—a small investment for a big reward. We encourage a purchase of at least 10 tickets per facility.
- Support a Great Cause: Proceeds directly fund scholarships for long term care employees, helping them grow their skills and careers.
- Purchase your calendar by following the instructions in the Cash Calendar Guidance Document.
Entries must be received by January 29, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to win and make a difference in the lives of Maine’s long term care workforce.
Every calendar purchased keeps you in the running for all February drawings. Enter today and start February with the excitement of a potential big win!
For more information, visit MEHCA.org. Good luck, and thank you for your support!
Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org
CMS Extends Implementation of Revised Surveyor Guidance
- By: Maureen Carland
- On: 01/23/2025 11:03:17
- In: Quality/Regulatory
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org