Message from the Chair | February 2025

It is a new year, and it is already bringing in changes for us all.    We have a new President and new Cabinet members who can affect home care.  Once confirmed, Dr. Mehmet Oz will serve as the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which could affect reimbursement for CAHSAH members regarding Medicare and Medi-Cal. And if confirmed, Robert F. Kennedy Jr is set to head the Department of Health and Human Services.  We will need to see how everything plays out. 

Then as of January 1st, home health agencies will see the effect of Value Based Purchasing.   

This is the third performance year, but the first payment year.  So agencies should be reviewing their reports to see where they know what to expect.  The Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of home health care across the nation to improve patients’ experience with their care, strengthen their physical function and address health issues before they require an emergency room visit. 

Change is also coming to us through new technologies that are available to help with growth and patient care.  Artificial Intelligence is expected to shape changes in health care.  Such changes may require agencies to make decisions for capital investments.  Agencies need to make plans and develop a roadmap as to where they want to be in 2025 and beyond.  Agencies need to act in order to stand out from the competition.  Innovation is key.  

I am not sure where these changes will take us, but I see 2025 to be a year of change.   We need to all be aware and participate in what is available in our state and communities.  CAHSAH is one way to help with keeping up to date. So keep reading the CAHSAH Bulletin and participate in our educational events.  Happy 2025!!! 

Respectfully submitted 

Julie Lehmann 

CAHSAH Board Chair