Strengthening the Voice of Home Care: A New Era of Collaboration

H4HC currently boasts a network of over 12,000 consumer advocates – individuals directly involved in home care, from field nurses aides to administrative staff. Recognizing the importance of broadening its reach, the organization strategically invited leading business supply vendors to join the cause. “We’re trying to engage all kinds of stakeholders in our mission,” explained Dave Totaro, President and Executive Director of H4HC, in a statement to Hospice News’ sister publication. “We limited it to a dozen by invitation only, and we got quite a strong reception.”

The newly formed affiliate network will collaborate with H4HC on targeted advocacy campaigns, contribute to shaping public policy, and elevate thought leadership within the home-based care landscape. The shared objective is to empower caregivers, safeguard patient choice, and promote the continued growth of the home care model. This collaborative approach is built on the understanding that a unified front is essential for navigating the complex challenges facing the industry.

H4HC deliberately selected affiliates based on existing working relationships, ensuring a foundation of mutual understanding and shared values. These affiliates will actively participate in visits to Capitol Hill, state government offices, and local congressional districts, directly engaging with policymakers. “We have seen and we have been able to justify that the more feet we put on the ground, the faster our voices are heard and the greater our return on our investment is,” Totaro emphasized, framing the affiliates as a vital extension of H4HC’s advocacy team.

Navigating Looming Financial Challenges

The timing of this initiative is particularly significant. H4HC is actively addressing potential Medicaid cuts stemming from proposals like the Trump Administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” as well as broader reductions in home health payment rates. The organization is also mounting targeted campaigns against state-level Medicaid cuts in states such as Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

The organization anticipates that the effects of these potential cuts will be felt at the local level before they manifest federally, underscoring the importance of grassroots advocacy. “We hope that our affiliates, as well as our membership, will be involved and active in their local governments as well, because they probably will feel the effects there before even the cuts on the federal side,” Totaro stated.

What strategies do you believe will be most effective in protecting home-based care funding in the current political climate? And how can technology play a role in amplifying the voices of caregivers and patients?

For further insights into the evolving landscape of home health care policy, explore resources from the National Association for Home Care & Hospice.

Frequently Asked Questions About the H4HC Affiliate Network

Here are some common questions about the new Hearts for Home Care business affiliate network:

• What is the primary goal of the H4HC business affiliate network?

  The primary goal is to expand H4HC’s advocacy reach and amplify its voice in shaping public policy related to home-based care.

• Who are the inaugural members of the H4HC affiliate network?

  The inaugural class includes Axxess, Caribou, G-Group Marketing, Mission Care Collective, Nevvon, Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP), and Polsinelli.

• How will the affiliates contribute to H4HC’s advocacy efforts?

  Affiliates will participate in advocacy campaigns, shape public policy, and engage with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels.

• What specific issues is H4HC currently advocating for?

  H4HC is currently focused on preventing Medicaid cuts and protecting home health payment rates.

• Why is local advocacy important in the context of federal policy changes?

  Local communities often feel the effects of federal policy changes before they are fully realized nationally, making local engagement crucial.