Bloomberg: Change Healthcare Cyberattack Is Still Disrupting Pharmacies, Other Providers
Fady Sahhar
Fady is responsible for policy and regulatory matters related to Physical Disabilities and Aging, with primary focus on personal assistance, employment services, and service coordination. Emphasis is placed on engaging the Office of Long-Term Living and the Community HealthChoices Managed Care Organizations, coordination of care with Behavioral HealthChoices MCOs, and collaborations with other advocacy and provider associations. Fady is also the President / CEO of ProVantaCare, an RCPA-affiliated company focused on contracting with MCOs, and is the President of XtraGlobex, a consulting firm focused on Value-Based Payment contracting. He brings extensive experience in the advocacy and operations of human services providers in physical disabilities and aging, from his role at Liberty Resources, Inc., and his service with a number of nonprofit services providers. He earned an MBA in Marketing from The University of Tennessee and a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Capella University.
Inglis’s SDHP Announce RFP for 2024 Conference Open Until Feb. 26
Inglis’s Self-Determination Housing of PA (SDHP) 2024 Conference aims to further the SDHP’s mission of bridging the information gap between providers and connecting with others in the accessible housing community while continuing to advocate for the vulnerable populations we serve, specifically those with disabilities and seniors. The goal of the 2024 Conference is to bring together individuals to advance change and impact the way we support people in finding accessible housing solutions to gain independence and increase their quality of life.
The conference will take place June 11 and 12. The RFP will remain open until end of the day February 26. For more information, view the Request for Proposal announcement. You can also submit your proposals on Inglis’s website.
If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
Second Draft of Aging Our Way, PA Open for Public Comment
The Department of Aging has released the second draft of Aging Our Way, PA, the department’s name for Pennsylvania’s 10-year strategic plan to support improvement in infrastructure and services for older adults. This second draft is open for a 30-day comment period until March 20. Visit here for details and instructions on submitting comments, and please consider providing feedback on the plan.
If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Fady Sahhar.
McKnights: Provider Groups Applaud Millions in Proposed Investments in Older Adults but Say Plans Fall Short
Person-Centered Approaches: Connecting Individuals to Services and Benefits
ADvancing States has announced the release of a new issue brief “Person-Centered Approaches: Connecting Individuals to Services and Benefits.” Developed with support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), this brief describes person-centered approaches, which are practices and techniques used by human services professionals to learn about an individual’s goals, needs, and preferences to live the life they desire and value. In aging and disability networks, person-centered conversations aid in the understanding of an individual’s long-term services and supports (LTSS) needs and preferences, resulting in improved access to services and benefits. Community-based organizations, including Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and Benefit Enrollment Centers, can strengthen their connections and engagement with LTSS access systems through person-centered approaches and state efforts, such as No Wrong Door Systems. Additionally, the issue brief highlights states that have implemented promising person-centered approaches.
If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
No Wrong Door Systems: A Guide to Fundamentals and Engagement for Community Organizations
ADvancing States announced the release of a new issue brief “No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems: A Guide to Fundamentals and Engagement for Community Organizations.” Developed with support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), this brief describes the fundamentals of the NWD System initiative in developing a one-stop resource hub and access point for long-term services and supports (LTSS) and benefits in states and territories, and the important roles community-based organizations (CBO) can serve in a NWD System. Additionally, the history of NWD and significant milestones, key elements of a coordinated NWD System, as well as CBO engagement in NWD Systems to facilitate access to services and benefits, are explained. As identified in the issue brief, states provide a range of opportunities for CBOs to connect with NWD Systems, from the inclusion of a CBO’s services in a NWD’s database to partnering with aging and disabilities network agencies and public outreach. The issue brief highlights NWD System development and state approaches to CBO partnerships in several states.
If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
Final Medicaid Access Rule Sent to OMB for Review
On January 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forwarded the final Medicaid Access Rule (CMS-2442-F) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the last review step before Federal Register publication.
The proposed Medicaid Access Rule contained a number of policies, including the much-discussed 80/20 provision that would require 80 percent of all Medicaid payments to be spent on direct care workers and direct service professionals compensation for personal care services.
RCPA commented on these proposed regulations and will continue to monitor progress with our federal partners. The OMB is expected to issue its comments in April. If you have questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Fady Sahhar.
RCPA Signs Coalition For Choice Provider and Rates Advocacy Letter
The Coalition for Choice continued its advocacy for increasing the number of providers in the consumer-directed services space. RCPA signed on to a letter sent to DHS and OLTL leadership. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
OLTL Releases RFA to Procure Community HealthChoices
The Department of Human Services is seeking to procure the services of Managed Care Organizations (MCO) to operate the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program in the five CHC zones which cover all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.
This procurement launches the process to select MCO, starting January 1, 2025. Key dates are:
- Feb. 8 — Pre-Application Conference Webinar
- Feb. 8 — Deadline to submit questions via email
- Feb. 15 — Answers to potential applicant questions posted to the Department of General Services website are due
- Mar. 15 — Application must be received electronically by the Issuing Office
Visit PA eMarketplace for more information and to apply. Questions may be directed to Fady Sahhar.
OPEN MINDS: PA Dual Eligibles Enrolled In An Integrated Medicare-Medicaid Plan Increased HCBS Use
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