HCBS News 2026Apr02

Kierstin Reed • April 2, 2026

DHHS Press Release on Aged and Disabled Waiver Service Coordination

According to the press release, beginning April 1st, all service coordination duties held by League of Human Dignity will be transitioned over to DHHS. All service coordination questions regarding this transition can be directed to Deputy Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within DHHS, Jennifer Clark at Jennifer.J.Clark@nebraska.gov. While it does not specifically say, we have been informed that the AAA programs will continue to provide case management services. 

LSA: Strategies for Value Demonstration and Partnerships

On March 26, Lutheran Services of American (LSA) released a toolkit geared for community-based organizations (CBOs) and social services organizations (SSOs) entitled Partnering for Impact. The framework provides actionable steps for organizations to adopt to assist in their organizations value demonstration and proposition to potentially partnering organizations. The resource is predicated on anticipated Medicaid and budgetary pressures on CBOs and SSOs as changes from HR1 take effect. The brief is built on four strategies:


  • Prove your value with data and return on investment
  • Master partnership mechanics
  • Adapt to new payment models and delivery structures.
  • Forge strategic alliances for scale.


Each strategy includes elaboration to guide CBOs and SSOs into thinking strategically about their services and the role they play in local communities. Building on that basis, organizations can build out business acumen and collaborative agreements to increase mission impact and stabilize organizational viability over time. We are proud of this work from our friends at LSA; review the toolkit here.

By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
Senators Challenge CMS Voting Guidance for Nursing Homes.
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
New MDS Training from CMS: Section K Assessment and Coding Essentials. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training that provides an overview of Section K of the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The course reviews the purpose, assessment steps, coding instructions, coding tips, key definitions, and calculation methods for accurately assessing and coding Section K items. This training can be accessed through the SNF QRP Training webpage.
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
There are no new Assisted Living updates to share this week. Please check back next week for the latest news and information. Here is your Life Plan Community Weekly Recap .
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
COVID “Up to Date” Definition Will Not Change
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
Temporary Protected Status for El Salvado Ends September 9, 2026: Employment authorization for eligible Salvadoran TPS holders will end September 9th per USCIS, absent new litigation or a redesignation. USCIS has automatically extended certain expired TPS-based employment authorization documents through that date and issued related Form I-9 records, and prepare for timely reverification and potential workforce disruptions. For details see the full article here . New Guidance from IRS on No Tax on Overtime. Last week, the Internal revenue Service issued updated FAQs on the No Tax on Overtime provision under HR 1, which added a new tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation. The deduction allows individuals to deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime pay annually ($25,000 in the case of a joint return) but may be reduced if a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers). Developed in coordination with the Department of Labor and Office of Personnel Management, the updated FAQs replace previous FAQs issued in January 2026 and provide more extensive guidance on overtime eligibility and exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, reporting qualified overtime compensation, and federal income tax withholdings from wages. The FAQs also include a guidance for employers on calculating qualified overtime compensation to be paid to an employee for purposes of the deduction. This includes instructions for alternative methods of computation are used to compute overtime, which may apply to employees of certain residential care facilities. Here is your weekly Workforce Weekly Recap
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
Home Care Network: Tuesday August 18th at 2 EST
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
Final HHVBP July 2026 IPR's Published
By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
UPDATE: Proposed Rule Rolling Back Community Reinvestment Act Obligations Published. As we reported last week, a multi-agency proposed rule seeks to roll back the Community Reinvestment Act and could weaken investment in affordable housing and community development. This proposed rule has now been published in the Federal Register on August 12 kicking off a 60-day comment period that will end on October 13, 2026. The full article can be read here .
By Kierstin Reed August 13, 2026
LeadingAge Webinar on Tenant Compliance Must-Dos for Affordable Senior Housing, August 19, 2-3:15 p.m. ET. Join the LeadingAge housing community for a webinar by compliance expert Jenny DeSilva, who will review unique rules and requirements for HUD-assisted senior housing communities. Participants will receive practical guidance to stay prepared for HUD oversight while supporting older adults as they age in community. Register here . Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap
By Kierstin Reed August 13, 2026
CMS Releases Home Health Agency PEPPER Reports
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