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May 1, 2025

• Expanded Suitability Review and Management Companies • Healey Administration Awards Funding for CNA Training at Community Colleges

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Mass Senior Care E-News Update - May 1, 2025

Sponsored by: 

ProCare LTC, E-News Ad

In This Issue:

  • House FY26 Budget Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding
  • Just Under Two Weeks Away! Don’t Miss the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show!
  • Get Ready to Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week – Kicking Off May 11th!
  • Join Us at AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing!
Read more

Register Now for Upcoming Education Programs! May-June 2025

Don't Miss Out!

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New Resource from CMS on Survey Process

On April 16, 2025, CMS released a new resource Essential Survey Information for CMS-Certified Providers on the survey process and common requests providers may receive during surveys. CMS states the toolkit is intended to help providers navigate the survey process effectively.

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REMINDER: Revisions to Appendix PP effective April 28, 2025

As a reminder, the CMS revisions to Appendix PP of the CMS State Operations Manual went into effect on April 28, 2025. Surveyors will be using the revised guidance during annual surveys.

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REMINDER: Requirement to Report Nursing Home HCP Influenza Vaccination and Rest Home HCP Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination

CMS and DPH require nursing homes to report Health Care Personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data via the CDC’s NHSN and make the data available to DPH in NHSN. Nursing homes are required to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza data to the CDC’s NHSN by May 15, 2025.

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Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Allowance Allocation and Reporting Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions.

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Join Us at AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing!

Mass Senior Care members are invited to join us for the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing on June 9-10, 2025 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. Congressional Briefing will offer opportunities to gain insight on the latest legislative and policy developments, network with colleagues, and hear from prominent speakers.

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Get Ready to Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week – Kicking Off May 11th!

Mark your calendars! National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) is right around the corner, running from Sunday, May 11 through Saturday, May 17, 2025. This special week is a great time to celebrate all who live and work in nursing facilities. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has deemed this year’s theme "Tapestry of Life”, which highlights the meaningful stories that make up each person’s journey in skilled nursing care.

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Just Under Two Weeks Away! Don’t Miss the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show!

Join us Wednesday, May 14th at the DCU Center in Worcester for an action-packed day at the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show. In addition to learning from dynamic speakers addressing issues impacting long term care providers, over 50 leading sponsors and exhibitors will be on site at our Trade Show & Luncheon, showcasing the latest products and services you need to know about. Network. Discover. Learn. Whether you're looking to make valuable connections, stay ahead of industry trends, or just soak up some fresh ideas—you need to be in the room. Don’t wait, spots are filling fast! Register now and secure your place at the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show!

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House FY26 Budget Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding

The House yesterday evening engrossed its FY 2026 budget recommendation totaling $61.5 billion. We are pleased to report that the House’s recommendation provides $132 million in new Medicaid nursing facility funding.

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Healey Administration Awards Funding for CNA Training at Community Colleges

On April 17, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the allocation of $9.7 million through the Community College Nursing Grant to expand workforce training in key health care roles across Massachusetts. The funding will support noncredit Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant programs at all 15 of the Commonwealth’s public community colleges, with the goal of training approximately 1,125 students.

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April 30, 2025

• House FY26 Budget Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding

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April 30, 2025

• Now Accepting Career Ladder Applications • Register Now for Upcoming Education Programs!

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April 29, 2025

• Nursing Home HCP Flu Vaccination Reminder • Revisions to Appendix PP • New Survey Resource

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April 24, 2025

• Zimmet Healthcare Issues Calculator for FFY26 Proposed Medicare SNF • States Sue Trump Administration Over Tariffs

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April 23, 2025

• Massachusetts Extends Unemployment Benefits to 30 Weeks • Register Now for Upcoming Webinar Series!

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Mass Senior Care E-News Update - April 23, 2025

Sponsored by: 

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

In This Issue:

  • Join Us at AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing 2025!
  • Only Four Sponsorship Opportunities Remain for the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show
  • Boston Marathon Charity Runner Gives Back to the Facility That Cared for Her Grandparents
  • National Skilled Nursing Care Week Starts Sunday, May 11th!
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Register Now for Upcoming Webinar Series! May/June 2025

Don't Miss Out!

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Massachusetts Extends Unemployment Benefits to 30 Weeks

Massachusetts residents filing new unemployment claims this week — along with eligible existing claimants — will now be able to receive benefits for up to 30 weeks, an increase from the previous maximum of 26 weeks.

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MAVRIC Death Registration Launch – Monday, June 2, 2025

The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) will be launching the new MAVRIC death registration on Monday, June 2, 2025. The application has been updated and tested and is ready for deployment.

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HPC Sets 2026 Health Care Benchmark at 3.6%

On April 17th, the Health Policy Commission set the annual 2026 healthcare growth benchmark at 3.6%. The health care cost growth benchmark, the cornerstone for the state’s cost containment efforts, is a statewide target for the rate of growth of total health care expenditures (THCE), the annual sum of all health care expenditures in the Commonwealth from both private and public sources, calculated on a per person basis.

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CMS to End Federal Matching for 1115 Demonstration State Health Plan Programs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has informed state Medicaid directors that it does not anticipate approving new state proposals of section 1115 demonstration expenditure authority for federal designated State Health Plan (DSHP) or Designated State Investment Program funding or renewing current approved Demonstration projects.

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National Skilled Nursing Care Week Starts Sunday, May 11th!

National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) is a great time to celebrate all who live and work in nursing facilities. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has deemed this year’s theme "Tapestry of Life.” The national observance will take place from Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Read more

Boston Marathon Charity Runner Gives Back to the Facility That Cared for Her Grandparents

This past Monday, Laura Cannistraro completed her fourth Boston Marathon—and her second as a charity runner on behalf of Elizabeth Seton Residence (ESR), an MSCA member facility. Cannistraro’s connection to ESR is deeply personal: her grandmother currently resides at the facility, and her late grandfather was also a former resident. She runs in honor of both of them, aiming to give back to the place that provided them with compassionate care. Mass Senior Care congratulates Laura and all of this year’s Boston Marathon participants on their incredible achievement!

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Only Four Sponsorship Opportunities Remain for the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show

Mass Senior Care Association is pleased to offer Associate Members sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor booths for the upcoming 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA! We are currently sold out of regular exhibitor booths. Please consider one of our remaining sponsorship opportunities, or contact us to be added to our waitlist!

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Join Us at AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing 2025!

Mass Senior Care members are invited to join us for the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing on June 9-10, 2025 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. Congressional Briefing will offer opportunities to gain insight on the latest legislative and policy developments, network with colleagues, and hear from prominent speakers.

Read more

April 22, 2025

• Governor Healey Tariff Response Initiative • Trump Administration Cancels $90 Million in Disaster Prevention Aid • Know Your Rights: Immigration Resources • CMS to End Federal Matching for 1115 Demonstration State Health Plan Programs • HPC Sets 2026 Health Care Benchmark at 3.6%

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MEMBER UPDATE

Department of Justice Investigating Wound Care Consultants Informal Dispute Resolution Meeting Medicare SNF Off-Cycle Provider Enrollment Reporting Delayed Use of Bed Rails in Nursing Facilities

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Mass Senior Care E-News Update - April 17, 2025

In This Issue:

  • House Ways and Means Committee Issues FY26 Budget Proposal: Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding
  • Congressman Neal Visits Life Care Center of Wilbraham to Discuss Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts
  • Limited Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities Remain for 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show
  • Get Ready to Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week!
Read more

Register Now for Upcoming Education Programs! – April 2025

Don't Miss Out! Register Now!

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Boston Judge Temporarily Blocks Termination of CHNV Parole for Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela

On April 14, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) March 25th decision to terminate CHNV Parole for individuals from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba in Doe v. Noem.

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SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available for Review

The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for review. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2025 refresh.

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Pre-enrolling and training for Massachusetts Vital Records Information Collaborative (MAVRIC)

The Massachusetts Vital Records Information Collaborative (MAVRIC) system is set to launch soon and now is the time for RN/NP/PA Pronouncers to prepare for MAVRIC electronic death registration.

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COVID-19 Cases and MWRA COVID-19 Wastewater Tracking - April 2025

Nursing facilities are reminded to remain diligent in their infection control practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 to residents and staff. At the expiration of the PHE, DPH released guidance on Organizational Policies and Procedures for Mitigating Respiratory Illness. Nursing facilities must continue to identify and monitor respiratory illness metrics to indicate when there are increased levels which may necessitate implementing these infection control measures.

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Upcoming iQIES Service Center Hold Times

Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and May 15, 2025.

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Get Ready to Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week!

National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) is a great time to celebrate all who live and work in nursing facilities. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has deemed this year’s theme "Tapestry of Life.” The national observance will take place from Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Read more

Congressman Neal Visits Life Care Center of Wilbraham to Discuss Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Congressman Richard E. Neal visited the Life Care Center of Wilbraham, a Mass Senior Care member facility. During his visit, the Congressman toured the facility and met with staff, facility and corporate leadership to discuss the potential impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on healthcare facilities in the First Congressional District.

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House Ways and Means Committee Issues FY26 Budget Proposal: Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding

The House Ways and Means (HWM) Committee yesterday released its FY 2026 budget recommendation totaling $61.4 billion. We are pleased to report that the Committee’s recommendation provides $132 million in new Medicaid nursing facility funding.

Read more

MEMBER UPDATE

Member Update: House Ways and Means Committee Issues FY26 Budget Proposal: Recommends $132 Million in New Medicaid Nursing Facility Funding

Read more

MEMBER UPDATE

Boston Judge Temporarily Blocks Termination of CHNV Parole for Haiti, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela REMINDER: Requirement to Report Nursing Home HCP Influenza Vaccination and Rest Home HCP Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Register Now for Upcoming Education Programs!

Read more

MEMBER UPDATE

CMS Proposes 2.8% Increase State FY2026 Budget Update CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz Lists Agenda Priorities

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Mass Senior Care E-News Update - April 10, 2025

In This Issue:

  • Federal Court Vacates CMS Minimum Staffing Mandate for Nursing Facilities
  • Take Action and Call Your Legislators Now! Please Urge Your Legislators to Support Quality Nursing Facility Care in the State FY 2026 Budget
  • Limited Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities Remain for 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show
  • MassCAP President Sandy Sarza Receives National Award
Read more

Register Now for Upcoming Education Programs - April 2025

Our upcoming important programs include: Navigating Immigration Changes: What Employers Need to Know; Navigating the Latest CMS Revisions to Appendix PP and Surveyor Guidance; and the Back to Basics: Infection Control 101 Webinar Series

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Attendee Registration is Open for the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show!

Join us as we gather for our 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show on Wednesday, May 14th at the DCU Center in Worcester! In addition to learning from dynamic speakers addressing issues impacting long term care providers, over 50 sponsors and exhibitors will be at the Trade Show and Luncheon to share the latest products and services, giving you the opportunity to network with these vendors and your colleagues.

Read more

Draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual Now Available

CMS has posted the draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.20.1​, which will be effective beginning October 01, 2025.

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CMS Issues Final 2026 Medicare Advantage Program Rule: Fails to Include Measures to Improve Beneficiary Access to Care Via Artificial Intelligence Guardrails

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on April 4th issued its Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D rule. The final rule does not include provisions that would have increased guardrails on the use of artificial intelligence and prevent automatic denials of basic benefits without individual assessments, as contained in the proposed rule issued at the end of the Biden Administration last November.

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U.S. Senate Enacts Budget Resolution – Medicaid Program Funding Remains at Risk

U.S. Senate Republicans voted last week, on a 51-48 party line vote, to pass a budget resolution to advance President Trump’s legislative agenda which includes increased spending for border security and defense spending, and extending the 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire this year.

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President Trump Pauses Reciprocal Tariffs on Most Countries

President Trump yesterday dramatically reversed course and announced a 90-day pause in the higher reciprocal tariffs he announced last week, dropping his country-specific tariffs down to a universal 10% rate for all trade partners except China which will increase to 125 percent. This tariff level will remain in effect through July 8th while the United States and its trading partners seek to reach a permanent agreement on tariff levels.

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Joint Ways and Means Committee Hearing on FY2026 MassHealth Budget Funding: Federal Medicaid Cuts Imperil Funding

On Monday, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its 7th hearing to review Governor Healey’s state Fiscal Year 2026 H.1 budget recommendation, focusing on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) department budgets, including MassHealth.

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