A Conversation with Tim Rogers about the Impact of the Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis

As COVID-19 continues to spread, particularly in America’s Sun Belt, the home health community is working tirelessly to protect patients, front-line home health workers, and the communities we serve. Home healthcare agencies are uniquely qualified to treat individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 due to their experience in caring for vulnerable populations with disabilities and multiple chronic conditions. With more Americans becoming vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, home health represents a safe and available care setting.

The Partnership recently spoke with Tim Rogers, President of the Council of State Home Care & Hospice Associations, President & CEO of the Association of Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina and President & CEO of the South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association, about the impact of COVID-19 on the home health community in the Carolinas.

We asked Tim the following questions:

• What are your overall observations about how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted home health patients and providers? (0:22)
• How are home health providers in North and South Carolina continuing to reach at-risk populations who are most vulnerable to COVID-19? (5:17)
• Any innovative approaches being used by providers to reach patients who are hesitant to allow care providers into their home due to fears of exposure? (10:17)
• What more can Congress and the Administration do to support home health providers? (14:10)
• The lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis will inform the future of healthcare delivery well past the pandemic. How do you think COVID-19 will change our healthcare system going forward? (16:40)
• Anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to add today? (19:06)

While Congress and CMS have taken significant steps to provide regulatory relief to enable expanded access to home health and ensure patient safety, more must be done to fully unleash home health in the fight against COVID-19. Send an email now asking your policymakers to optimize the use of this skilled care during the pandemic.