Government Shutdown effect on CMS
DHSS recently shared with LA MO and other healthcare associations a CMS memo on the federal shutdown that describes activities neither DHSS nor its contractors currently have authority to conduct – including revisits (unless certain circumstances apply), informal dispute resolutions, recertification surveys, and issuance of 2567s for citations that do not allege harm or greater. More information from CMS is found here.
LeadingAge is closely monitoring the impacts of the Federal Government shutdown. Keep up-to-date through LeadingAge’s fiscal year 2026 serial post on the LeadingAge website.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name!
Headed to the LeadingAge Annual Meeting November 2-5 in Boston? Join Missouri members (and others from KS, NE, IA, & IL) for fellowship and fun at the Midwest State Night Out Sunday November 2 , 6-7:30 PM at the famous Cheers bar. Register Here to join Sam, Diane, Norm, Rebecca, Cliff, Frasier, Woody, and Carla (LeadingAge Members, not Cheers characters!) for a great evening!
New Training Opportunity for DON’s
THE CONFIDENT DON – A Masterclass for New Long-Term Care Nurse Leaders
November 18 & 19, 2025, LeadingAge Kansas Office, 217 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS
Missouri DON’s have the opportunity to sharpen skills in Nurse Leader Roles. LeadingAge Missouri is partnering with LeadingAge Kansas to offer this In-Person 2-day intensive training. Seating is extremely limited. Cost: $400 for member communities of LeadingAge Missouri using code: MODON25
More information and how to register can be found here!
October is “Let’s Talk Month” in Missouri
As members assess co-mingling intergenerational workforces, a “Let’s Talk” approach in our emotionally charged field may help you connect with your staff. Governor Kehoe proclaimed October as “Let’s Talk Month” in Missouri, recognizing the importance of open, honest, and ongoing communication between adults and youth about health and well-being. Among featured tools is the “Connect with Me” resource, available as both a mobile app and a physical card set. Prompts help adults and young people navigate discussions that may not arise naturally. Download the Connect With Me app, or to access the “Connect with Me” tools or order printed materials, visit Health.Mo.Gov/Connect.
State of the HCBS Workforce Survey Now Live
This survey is a valuable opportunity to share provider experiences and insights that improve the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program. Participants receive a $2,000 value-based incentivefor a full and accurate submission. Ready to respond?
Open Survey: Link sent October 1 and open until November 30. Review your survey to ensure time to collect required information.
Learn More: Attend free webinar October 20 at 11 am to discover how participation makes an impact and hear from experts who can answer questions. Click here to join.
Link Support: You should have received link to the survey, but if you didn’t, contact the DHSS DSDS Survey inbox.
Nursing Home Reimbursement: Beginning to End
The Department of Social Services and Department of Health and Senior Services collaborated to create Nursing Home Reimbursement: Beginning to End. This resource walks a provider through the process of nursing home reimbursement from the beginning of an individual applying for coverage, through the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review process, to billing and receiving payment for services. The resource includes step-by-step instructions for each process, definitions, contact information, and more. Visit MO HealthNet’s Nursing Home Provider webpage for additional information.
Personal Care Services & Home Health Care Services Providers
MO HealthNet is preparing to implement claims validation for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) with a soft launch in January 2026. During this inaugural phase, all EVV-required claims must have a matching visit in the EAS, and providers will receive remark codes on their remittance advice about future payment policy changes. Claims without matching visits will still be paid, allowing providers to familiarize themselves with these codes.
After the soft launch, a hard edit will deny claims that do not match EVV visit information, starting with personal care service providers. Home Health Care Service providers and those under the Department of Mental Health will follow. Providers must continue submitting claims but must ensure that visit data is accurate in the EAS. More information is available on the EVV Provider webpage.
Richardson to Depart MO HealthNet
In other DSS news, Todd Richardson is stepping down as Missouri’s Medicaid Director at the end of October 2025. Richardson held the position of MO HealthNet Division Director for seven years after serving in the Missouri House of Representatives, including as Speaker of the House. His decision comes as the Division prepares to implement new federal directives regarding the administration of Medicaid. Jessica Bax, Director of the Department of Social Services, will work with the Governor’s office to select an interim Medicaid director. According to a DSS spokesperson, the Department does not anticipate MO HealthNet disruptions.
Long-term care residents honored during Residents’ Rights Month
October’s Residents’ Rights Month brings awareness to the dignity, respect and value of long-term care residents. This year’s theme is “Stand with Me”, which emphasizes the importance of solidarity and support for residents who stand up and advocate for their rights, as well as the value of encouraging the community to join residents in sharing their voices.
How Far Could $10K Go in Your Community?
LeadingAge Missouri’s group purchasing organization, Value1st, is giving away five $10,000 prizes as part of its 5-Star Dining Program Sweepstakes. For a chance to win, any LA MO member may submit an entry form and share one month’s food purchase data. Members who currently use Value1st for their food program will be automatically entered. Learn more and don’t miss your chance to win $10,000!