Wednesday, December 17, 2025

 Official Publication of Minnesota Home Care Association

  Inside the Informer

  Member News

MHCA Executive Director, Kathy Messerli, to Retire in Spring 2026

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we announce the bittersweet news of Kathy Messerli’s retirement. After 11 ½ years of extraordinary leadership and service, Kathy has decided to begin a well-deserved chapter of rest and new adventures in May 2026.

Under Kathy’s guidance, our association has achieved significant milestones, including major wins at the state capital (increase funding and awareness of home care), successfully navigating a global pandemic, membership growth, and aligning committee work with MHCA’s strategic plan. Kathy’s fresh vision and strategy for the association, along with the countless ways she has supported members, will positively impact home care in Minnesota for years to come.

Transition Plan:
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors has put a thoughtful plan in place. 

• Search Process: A search committee has been formed to identify the next Executive Director who will continue advancing our mission. • Timeline: Kathy has given us the gift of time to ensure we find the perfect fit for our future leader, and we expect that they will be able to start before Kathy’s official departure. We anticipate posting the position around the first of the year and completing the transition in May. We will keep you updated along the way. A Message from Kathy:

“It has been an incredible honor to serve this association and to be part of the home care community. Throughout my time here, you have continually inspired me with your perseverance, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those who depend on your care.

I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the shared work that has strengthened our industry and elevated the voices of those we serve.

Over the next several months, I look forward to continuing to support you and to actively participate in a smooth and successful transition. Our association is strong because of you, and I am confident it will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

Thank you for the privilege of serving alongside you.”

On behalf of the entire association, we wish Kathy all the best in retirement and thank her for her extraordinary service.

Olga Baumberger and Darla Thompson Finish Terms on MHCA Board of Directors

The MHCA’s Board of Directors recognized Olga Baumberger and Darla Thompson. Olga has served on the Board since 2021, and Darla since 2022.

Thank you, Olga and Darla, for your service. Your leadership has made a lasting impact, and we’re glad you’ll continue to serve on the Advocacy Committee.

2026 VBP/Star Rating Education

MN ranks 37th in the country in star ratings. Register for 1:1 guidance on YOUR agency’s VBP reimbursement roadblocks to help your bottom line and your star rating. The workshop will focus on the most prevalent, highest-impact quality problems. During the first workshop you will create a QAPI plan and then come back together after 2 months of implementing the plan to review the progress made.

Register here.

How to Prepare for Immigration Enforcement

Did you miss the ICE webinar this morning? Please reach out to mstenberg@mnhomecare.org for access to the recording.

  MHCA IN ACTION

MHCA Supports Advocacy Against Medica Cuts for Medical Complexities

Medica is implementing a new coverage cap for children with medical complexities who are enrolled in Medica with Medical Assistance (MA) as secondary coverage. The policy limits children to very few hours of in-home nursing care, effectively eliminating access to medically necessary home-based nursing under their policy. 

MHCA is participating in a press conference today, where we will advocate against this limited coverage. Our goals are to ensure that children have access to services, hospitals aren’t forced to delay discharges, and parents aren’t forced to leave the workforce to provide care. 

  MEMBER CORNER

You Have Two Weeks to Renew Your MHCA Membership!

Renew your membership today to maintain uninterrupted access to our education, advocacy, and support throughout 2026.

Log in to your agency account and click the “Renew Your Membership Here” button.

If you have any questions, please contact lpause@mnhomecare.org.

Member Benefit Reminder: Locate a Provider Member!

Want to connect with a fellow home care professional? In these changing times, learning from one another is more valuable than ever—and MHCA makes it easy.

On our website, you can access a sortable directory to find provider members similar to you. Just visit the MHCA home page, scroll down, and select “Locate a Provider Member.” From there, you can filter by agency type, service area, payers, and more to find members who may be helpful to connect with.

Be sure to keep your own agency information up to date as well, so fellow providers can easily find and connect with you.

 Committee Updates

2026 Committees Appointed

The MHCA Board of Directors has appointed the committees for next year. If you were assigned to a committee, you will have received an email with this information last week. If you were hoping to serve on a committee and did not receive an email, please contact Matt Oberdalhoff.

 Compliance corner

December Newsletter for Expanded HHVBP Model

The Preliminary October 2025 IPRs for the expanded HHVBP Model were released in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) on December 1, 2025. The CY 2025 measure set is now in effect as of October 2025. Click the link here to access important updates on the CY 2026 measure set, the revised HHVBP Model Guide, expanded HHVBP Model FAQs, and new web-based training resources.

  State news

Final Reminder: Paid Leave Starts January 1

Your agency should be prepared for the new Minnesota Paid Leave program. Paid Leave is a required program that provides payments and job protections to people who need time away from work for their own health or to care for a family member. It is comprised of Medical Leave and Family Leave. Employers and employees will contribute to the program and the state pays employees directly when they utilize that benefit. 

The state anticipates opening applications early for all parents who welcomed a child in 2025, as they will be eligible for this program. If you have questions, you can reference the November 5th Informer or go to the Paid Leave site for employers.

DHS News Release States Licensing Pause Will Improve Oversight of HCBS

Following an unprecedented increase in license applications from home and community-based human services providers, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will implement a two-year pause on issuing new licenses to strengthen oversight of existing providers. The pause will begin in January 2026 and is expected to remain in place through December 2027. See the article linked here for more details on which services are included in this moratorium.

DHS provided a clarification that the temporary moratorium is specifically for HCBS – 245D providers and does not affect licensed providers who have submitted enrollment applications to Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Provider Eligibility and Compliance. Review the Licensing for HCBS – 245D providers webpage or call the MHCP Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411, option 4, if you have questions.

  Educational Opportunities

MHCA Partnerships

Fueled Growth Partners is a company that provides a net zero cost supplemental health care plan with amazing benefits, while providing revenue to MHCA. To schedule a personal presentation and get a no cost/commitment proposal based on your actual employee data click here. 

On-Demand Opportunities

Click on the logos below for a list of courses offered!

Save the Date

• December 3, 2025 – Member Meeting + Free Education: Ask About Pets! – A Training for Home Care Staff & Organizations, Virtual

Minnesota Home Care Association
P: 651.635.0607  |  F: 651.635.0043  |  www.mnhomecare.org  |  membership@mnhomecare.org

STAY CONNECTED

Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services.
Vision: MHCA will shape the home care landscape to improve and sustain quality home care services.