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Archive January 2025

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Maine’s Supplemental Budget Update: HHS Committee Pushes for 1.95% COLA for Providers

The Maine Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee has issued its recommendations on the supplemental budget, with HHS largely approving the governor's proposals while making a few key modifications.

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Executive Order Freezing Federal Aid Rescinded and MaineCare Operations Continue Uninterrupted

Yesterday, the Trump Administration rescinded an executive order to freeze federal aid programs.  There was significant confusion around which federal programs would be impacted. The Office of Budget and Management (OMB) issued follow up guidance to note that Medicaid would continue without pause. According to Skilled Nursing News, at least 20 states were unable to draw down funds earlier this week. Numerous organizations engaged in legal challenges to block the freeze. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services sent out a bulletin yesterday noting they have been monitoring and assessing various Trump Administration announcements related to federal funding. They stated MaineCare operations are continuing as normal at this time.

Staff update: awesthoff@mehca.org

New Training Session Available Now!

Risk, Response, and Resolution: Handling Imminent Jeopardy Citation in Long-Term Care
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.
This session is essential for administrators, directors of nursing, and all key long-term care stakeholders.

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

Per Rule 90-590 Chapter 270, Uniform Reporting System for Health Care Quality Data Sets requires all nursing facilities to submit Clostridium difficile Lab ID Events and all UTI Events as outlined in NHSN. 
 
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

The AHCA has released a Hot Topic Brief to provide Infection Preventionists (IPs) with a concise overview of the H5 Bird Flu, along with direct access to key CDC resources. This edition aims to support infection prevention and control programs (IPCPs) as they update their emergency response plans to address potential exposure or illness among residents, visitors, and staff. The links below offer quick access to essential CDC guidance on H5 Bird Flu and its implications for healthcare settings.
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org

DHHS-provided Office Hours for Technical Assistance Related to Billing Questions

On January 16th, DHHS held the first of two open office hours for technical assistance related to billing questions for the transition to the new Nursing Facility rate model. A recording of this session is now posted on the DHHS MaineCare Rate reform website. Scroll down to the section heading “CY 2024 Rate Determinations – in Progress” and look for Section 67, Nursing Facilities. The recording can also be found on YouTube here: NF Billing: Nursing Component of New Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Open Office Hours 1/16/2025.
 
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

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services sent out a notice that the Section 67, Nursing Facility rate letters published on January 16th contained errors in the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) calculations found in the table on page 3 of the rate letter. On January 23, the Department posted revised rate letters on the secure Health PAS online portal.

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

Today, MHCA Director of Public Affairs Ben Hawkins testified on the supplemental budget, urging lawmakers to provide additional support for Maine's residential care and nursing homes. Below is a brief summary of key provisions in the Governor’s proposed supplemental budget.

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!

Don’t Miss Out: Enter the 2025 Cash Calendar Today!

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.
How to Enter: Important Deadline:
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

The implementation of QSO-25-12-NH by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been extended to March 24, 2025. Originally set for February 2025, this revised guidance, announced in November, allows centers additional time to update their policies and processes to comply with the changes.
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org
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