Greetings,

Where did the year go? It’s hard to believe it’s almost December. The packet for the meeting is lengthy and will be uploaded in the portal by tomorrow. Please note we’ll be in a different conference room.

I have a couple of requests for you:

Please RSVP to Lauren by Friday for our lunch order.
I have invited Natasha Merz, DHS, back to this meeting and would like you to give the topic some thought in advance. DHS has formed an Acute Care Transitions Council. Home care not being represented on the council and I believe it’s important for them to have our input. While the council will consider barriers, they are most interested in hearing our ideas for solutions to moving patients out of acute care, freeing up beds. Let’s get creative and share a broad range of ideas, such as financial sustainability and limiting administrative burdens. We will have about 10 minutes to brainstorm as a group and then Natasha will join us via zoom to hear our ideas. A few examples could include:

Move the needle on increased reimbursement: care evaluations, base rates
Discharge planner training (ensuring meds and paperwork are in order to prevent re-hospitalization)
Expedite assistance for the Home Health agencies with the EVV transition. The major challenges will increase your need to turn away referrals
Help resolve MCO issues; all of the challenges our members face take time and thus, limit your ability to care for as many clients.
I plan to suggest for more proactive leadership from DHS; hoping they’ll collaborate with providers on the EVV significant challenges and consider something in the Gov’s budget.

Andrea, I know you won’t be able to join us. If you have input on the 2^nd bullet, please send it my way!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions prior to the meeting. I look forward to seeing most of you next Thursday.

Kind Regards,

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director

Minnesota Home Care Association

1265 Grey Fox Road, Suite 2 | Arden Hills, MN 55112-6929

Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607