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Connecticut's home care landscape, increasingly incorporating digital tools like remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and online coordination platforms, is set for notable updates in 2026. These developments stem from state-level workforce enhancements, federal Medicare adjustments, and ongoing digital health infrastructure improvements, all aimed at boosting quality, accessibility, and sustainability for seniors and caregivers.
A major highlight for 2026 is the culmination of a multi-year agreement that raises minimum wages for personal care attendants (PCAs) serving Medicaid clients to $23 per hour starting January 1. This 26% increase over three years addresses chronic workforce shortages, helping retain and attract caregivers who support in-home services, including those coordinated through digital apps and platforms.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System final rule, resulting in a modest overall decrease of about 1.3% in aggregate payments compared to 2025. This includes a 2.4% market basket increase offset by behavioral adjustments related to the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). Agencies relying on digital tools for efficient care delivery may need to adapt to these tighter reimbursements.
Many pandemic-era Medicare telehealth waivers, allowing patients to receive services from home via video or audio-only, are scheduled to expire after January 30, 2026, unless Congress intervenes further. This could limit virtual visits integral to hybrid online-home care models, potentially requiring more in-person interactions starting January 31.
Connecticut's health information exchange, known as Connie, continues to evolve with a mandated study on advanced patient consent options—allowing more granular control over shared data—due by September 30, 2026. Enhanced breach notifications and compliance measures will further secure digital records, supporting seamless coordination among home care providers using online systems.
Supporting the home care ecosystem, 2026 brings insurance updates like mandatory coverage for biomarker testing and restrictions on step therapy protocols. Facilities aiding home transitions must also ensure accessible equipment, promoting equity for older adults and those with disabilities who prefer digital-managed in-home support.
As Connecticut navigates these 2026 transitions, the focus remains on leveraging technology to meet rising demand amid workforce gains and payment constraints. Stakeholders in online platforms and virtual care should monitor federal telehealth developments closely while capitalizing on state investments in caregiver compensation and data infrastructure.
Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of seniors who wish to retain their independence in the comfort of their home. We strive to bring peace of mind to our seniors, as well as their families. We are committed to providing affordable, trustworthy, and personalized care.
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