Advocacy
The MHCA Day at the Capitol was this week. We combined it with a Home Care Nursing press conference, so the number of attendees overall was likely around 70 people! That included many family members who came to speak at the press conference and visit with legislators to discuss the importance of commercial health plans following the statute and providing Home Care Nursing services without a cap in the hours. I believe being back together in one room next year (when the State Office Building construction is finished) will build a greater sense of community among our members.

New bills continue to pop up as legislators are trying to address the fall-outs of the fraud investigations and other topics of interest. Anni and I have been busy reviewing language and connecting with other stakeholders on a variety of topics. This may be the busiest legislative session for MHCA in my tenure!

  *   We co-signed a letter with the PCA Alliance opposing Rep Hicks bill that calls for higher wages for CFSS shared services.
  *   We submitted written testimony on a bill that would include exemptions for the paid breaks law that went into effect in January.
  *   Most recently, Rep Noor and Senator Hoffman are authoring Continuity of Care bills. While the content is different, the intent of both bills is to ensure access to care. I am testifying at the Senate hearing Monday, sharing heartbreaking scenarios involving elderly individuals that occurred when the funding was halted for a provider. DHS did assign a complex transition manager to look into the worst cases after my advocacy and I am hoping some resources will be offered.

The State of MN sued CMS over the threats to withhold Medicaid funds and there is no resolution on that.

John Connelly, DHS Deputy Commissioner and State Medicaid Director has accepted the invitation to attend our May board meeting. I am hopeful he will have a few updates to share with us. Please come prepared with questions.

Vacation
I will be on vacation starting Tuesday, returning to the office Monday, March 30.  With a flurry of activity at the Capitol, Jaime has graciously agreed to be a contact for Anni Simons. Jaime will reach out to the board, as needed for advocacy needs in my absence.

ED Transition
When I return, I will be focusing on the transition and planning for the onboarding of a new ED (I am anxiously awaiting news of a hire!). I serve on some external advisory groups and there may be an opportunity for members to fill those slots. I will be in touch as I learn more.

SPAM Emails
Spammers are getting smarter all the time!  The latest one is well aware of Toni and Jaime's names. Please be extra careful and pay attention to the sender's email address. When in doubt, feel free to ask staff.

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Please note that I will be out of the office and not checking emails March 17-27.

Kind Regards,

Kathy Messerli
Executive Director
Minnesota Home Care Association

2909 S. Wayzata Blvd. | Minneapolis, MN 55405
Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607
www.mnhomecare.org<http://www.mnhomecare.org/page/A17> | kmesserli@mnhomecare.org<mailto:kmesserli@mnhomecare.org>
[cid:image002.png@01DCB2F9.986EA0A0]<https://www.mnhomecare.org/general/custom.asp?page=DayattheCapitol>