In Conversation with Patti Heid to Bring Her Insights on Future-Proofing Home Care in Florida

Preparing for 2025, Florida home care agencies should focus on both compliance and operational efficiency to meet new regulatory demands and industry trends.

Agencies participating in Medicare or Medicaid must be ready to complete OASIS assessments for all patients starting July 1, making early preparation critical. This means refining processes during the voluntary January-to-July period to ensure smooth transitions and accurate outcome calculations.

Further, with the rise in Medicare Advantage enrollment, agencies should consider building partnerships with regional payers to enhance service delivery while negotiating sustainable contract terms.

Leveraging AI technology to streamline documentation, scheduling, and revenue cycle management is also a priority, as it can significantly reduce operational burdens.

In parallel, agencies should prepare for increased demand and potential policy shifts following the upcoming election, which could introduce new home care benefits.

Finally, focusing on caregiver support, particularly during holidays, through flexible scheduling and recognition programs can help retain staff and maintain high-quality care. Thoughtful planning in each of these areas will ensure a successful start to 2025.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on future-proofing home care in Florida.

Let us now delve into what she has to say about future-proofing home care in Florida:

Question 1: What are the key compliance issues or regulatory changes that Florida home care agencies should be preparing for in the upcoming year?

In any given year in the home health industry, there can be many changes, but this is especially true for 2025. Here are just a few to consider:

• In 2025, providers participating in Medicare or Medicaid programs are required to complete and transmit OASIS assessments for 100% of their patients, regardless of payer. Starting January 1, 2025, this process will be voluntary, transitioning to a mandatory requirement on July 1, 2025.

  We strongly encourage providers to use the January-to-July period to refine their processes and address any potential challenges. By July 1, all payers will be included in outcome calculations, so preparing thoroughly during this transition period is essential to ensure readiness for the new standards.

• Enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is on the rise, now covering over 50% of Medicare beneficiaries. While participating as an in-network provider for these plans presents unique challenges including lower reimbursement from the plans, it also offers significant opportunities.

  Many providers are strategically focusing on partnerships with regional payers, which can lead to improved contract terms and more sustainable service delivery. By prioritizing local plans, providers may better align with payer expectations and create more favorable conditions for delivering quality care.

• Let’s address the elephant in the room—the upcoming Presidential election. On one side, Vice President Harris has proposed a new home care benefit for eligible Medicare beneficiaries, while former President Trump has endorsed “At-Home Senior Care.”

  With 10,000 baby boomers aging into Medicare every day through 2030, and with home care being both the preferred and most cost-effective setting, these initiatives could have a profound impact on our industry. 

  The outcome of the election will ultimately shape any potential changes for home care, especially considering the sector’s long history of enduring continued cuts. Only time will reveal what this could mean for providers, patients, and the future of home-based care.

Question 2: What are some common challenges home care agencies face in maintaining high-quality care standards, and how does the Home Care Association of Florida support agencies in overcoming these challenges?

The home care industry is in a constant state of change, making it challenging for providers to stay current with evolving rules and regulations while managing daily operations and upholding their mission to deliver quality care. That’s where HCAF comes in!

We are dedicated to empowering home healthcare providers to excel by offering comprehensive resources, educational opportunities, and advocacy.

Whether providers have a clinical or regulatory question or need operational support, our team is just a phone call or email away. We’re here to provide guidance and solutions, leveraging strong relationships with state and federal officials, regulatory agencies, and industry experts to expedite resolutions.

This allows providers to focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care to those they serve.

Question 3: What are the most promising ways AI and technology are currently being integrated into home care to improve care outcomes and streamline operations, and how should smaller agencies approach adopting these advancements?

The home care industry is entering an exciting era as AI technology companies increasingly step in to support providers. From assisting with OASIS documentation and optimizing scheduling to streamlining back-office operations, AI solutions offer immense potential to reduce the operational burdens that challenge our field. However, each home care provider is unique, with different operational needs and priorities. Technology, therefore, cannot be approached as a one-size-fits-all solution.

To make the most of these innovations, it’s essential to thoroughly research options. Look for solutions that not only meet your specific requirements but also integrate smoothly with your existing systems. The primary goals in adopting AI technology are to ease staff workload, lower operational costs, and enhance revenue cycle management and overall agency efficiency.

Doing your homework upfront ensures you’re selecting the right tools to truly support your agency’s needs.

Question 4: The holiday season can be challenging for home care staff and families alike. What best practices would you recommend for balancing staff availability, client needs, and family dynamics during this time of year?

While meeting client needs is essential, it’s equally important to give staff the chance to recharge and enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. Here are some best practices to help agencies navigate this challenging time effectively:

• Start holiday scheduling as early as possible. Survey staff for their holiday availability and preferences and identify potential coverage gaps early.
• Consider implementing flexible staffing options, like part-time holiday shifts, staggered scheduling, or “on-call” rotations, to give team members more options while maintaining coverage.
• Recognize the effort of staff working during the holidays by offering incentives, such as holiday pay, meal vouchers, or even small gift cards. Acknowledging their dedication can boost morale and help staff feel valued during this busy time.
• Inform clients and families of any temporary adjustments, such as different caregivers. Clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings and foster trust, making transitions smoother for everyone involved.

Question 5: How can home care agencies best support and recognize family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month, especially to create more sustainable partnerships in care?

‍During National Family Caregivers Month, home care agencies have an excellent opportunity to recognize and support family caregivers, which can lead to stronger, more sustainable partnerships. Some ways you can support and recognize family caregivers include:

• Recognizing caregivers on your social media channels or in your agency newsletter, applauding them for the critical role they play.
• Provide recognition certificates or personalized thank-you messages to acknowledge each family caregiver’s contributions.
• During this month, make an extra effort to involve family caregivers in care planning discussions. Open dialogues on goal setting, treatment, and specific care needs can enhance mutual understanding and foster a deeper partnership.
• Launch a peer support group, either virtually or in person, where caregivers can share experiences and advice. Home care agencies can facilitate these meetings and invite professionals to answer questions, enhancing a supportive community.
• Family caregivers often face burnout and stress. By providing resource kits with guides, tips, and access to local resources, designed to address common caregiver challenges, including information on mental health and well-being, you can provide support for the holistic well-being of those who give so much of themselves day in and day out.

In Conclusion

Future-proofing home care in Florida requires proactive strategies, as emphasized by Patti Heid’s insights. Agencies must prepare for the impending OASIS requirements and adapt to the evolving Medicare landscape, including increasing Medicare Advantage enrollments.

Embracing AI technology can significantly alleviate operational challenges, while building strong partnerships with payers will enhance service delivery.

Moreover, prioritizing caregiver support during the holiday season and recognizing family caregivers fosters stronger relationships, ultimately leading to improved care outcomes.

By implementing these recommendations, Florida’s home care agencies can thrive amidst changing regulations and evolving patient needs as they move into 2025 and beyond.