The California Association for Health Services at Home Applauds Governor Newsom and the State Legislature’s Commitment to Fund Private Duty Nursing as Part of New Budget Deal
03 Julio 2024 - 10:30AM
Business Wire
Investments in the Managed Care Organization
Provider Tax will provide a funding pathway for continuous skilled
nursing care for medically complex patients under Medi-Cal at
home
Late last week, the California State Legislature voted to
approve the Managed Care Organization (MCO) Provider Tax package as
part of the state’s new budget agreement. Included in the MCO
package is a $62 million dollar investment in private duty nursing
(PDN), which will help improve services for medically fragile
pediatric patients.
“We applaud Governor Newsom and the state legislature for their
actions to prioritize in-home comprehensive care for California’s
medically complex children and allow them to live at home with
their families,” said Dean Chalios, President & CEO of the
California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).
“Currently, there are more than 1,000 families that are unable to
take their children home from the hospital due to a lack of
available private duty nurses. Now with a commitment to fund
private duty nursing, we can help bring these children out of the
hospital and ensure they receive the long-term, comprehensive and
cost-effective care they need from home.”
Investments in the MCO provider tax will maintain funding for
Medi-Cal providers. As stipulated in the budget agreement, a $62
million dollar investment in PDN will be fully funded by January 1,
2026. This investment will generate a savings of at least $175
million to the state.
A longtime champion and advocate for some of California’s most
medically vulnerable patients is Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San
Fernando Valley). Senator Menjivar has worked closely with CAHSAH
to create a funding pathway for PDN in the home.
“California is experiencing a profound nursing shortage, making
access to care a struggle, even in the most critical situations.
Many families are unable to bring their medically fragile children
home from the hospital, forcing little ones to spend their first,
second, and even third birthdays in the hospital,” said Senator
Menjivar. “The inclusion of private duty nursing in the state
budget’s MCO package is not only a just investment, allowing
children to be at home with their families while receiving vital
care, but it also saves California significant money compared to
the exorbitant costs of keeping kids in hospitals long-term.”
“We are immensely grateful to Senator Menjivar for her
leadership,” said Chalios. “Because of her commitment, California’s
medically complex and vulnerable patient population will be able to
receive the care they both need and deserve.”
The California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH)
is a nonprofit association representing California's licensed home
health, home care, and hospice providers across the state.
Established in 1966, CAHSAH is one of the oldest and largest state
home care associations in the nation with a long tradition of
service dedicated to promoting quality home care and enhancing the
effectiveness of the home care industry.
CAHSAH represents hundreds of provider locations including
Medicare Certified and licensed home health agencies, hospices,
providers of non-medical personal care service in the home, home
infusion pharmacies, and over 100 affiliate members including
suppliers of products, computer companies, consulting firms, and
insurance providers.
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Christina Kiefer christina@sociospragency.com