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If you haven’t yet responded to the 2020 US Census, now’s the time: go to my2020census.gov. Responses to the 2020 Census shape decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds flow into communities each year for the next 10 years for critical services. And Vermont is currently about 10 percentage…

Over the last several weeks it’s become clear we are entering a new phase of the COVID-19 emergency—a phase that will last for a year or more, probably until there is a vaccine. This phase will be less focused on preventing a surge of patients in hospitals (although we will remain vigilant) and more…

Below is a round-up of state action on COVID-19 since the last newsletter: The VNAs of Vermont has developed an issue brief for members on unemployment insurance and paid family leave, available on our updated COVID-19 Resource Page. Over the past two weeks, the health department has released several…

Below is a round-up of federal action on COVID-19 since the last newsletter: CMS has released payments to providers including home health and hospice agencies from the CARES Act Emergency Relief Fund. The announcement is available HERE. Providers must sign an attestation when they’ve received the…

Over the last two weeks, the VNAs of Vermont has been entirely focused on helping Vermont respond to COVID-19.  We helped launch a coalition of health care provider groups who are working closely together to obtain the state and regulatory flexibility providers need at this time. Our mutual goal is…

Town Meeting Day is feeling like a long time ago. Not even a week has passed since Vermonters voted – and showed tremendous support for the members of their communities served by local home health and hospice agencies. Thank you! But since Town Meeting Day, COVID-19, the disease caused by the 2019 novel…

SFY2021 Budget Last week, VNAs of Vermont Executive Director Jill Mazza Olson testified before both the House Appropriations and House Ways and Means committees. She urged House members to support the Choices for Care program through Medicaid reimbursement and home health provider tax relief. Telehealth The…

PDGM Home health and hospice agencies across the country are about 8 weeks into the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), the biggest change to home health payment in the 21st century. The financial impact on Vermont home health and hospice agencies is not yet known. In March…

Our centuries-old Vermont tradition of Town Meeting Day is just days away. While this year the presidential primary is getting a lot of the attention, important local business will also be conducted on Super Tuesday.  Throughout the state, Vermonters will vote on their school and town budgets. Some…

Paid Family Leave By a single vote, the House failed to override Governor Phil Scott’s veto of the paid family leave bill. The Administration is promoting the voluntary expansion of a new state employees' paid leave program. Telemedicine The House Health Care Committee heard overwhelming support from…