Home Care, You Say?

Compliance, Coverage, and Care: A Critical Industry Deep Dive with Angelo Spinola

The home care and hospice landscape is shifting faster than ever, are you ready for the legal and legislative tidal wave hitting in 2026? In this must-listen episode, Mike sits down with Angelo Spinola, an employment law titan with 25 years of industry-specific expertise.
From the nuances of live-in caregiver pay to the massive implications of HR1 and Medicaid rule changes, Angelo breaks down the "niche" legal areas that can make or break a home care provider's future.
In this episode:
The HR1 (Big Beautiful Bill) Effect: How administrative burdens and Medicaid eligibility verification are tightening the "squeeze" on providers and potentially limiting patient access.
Legislative Shifts in 2026: Why the potential reinstatement of live-in and companionship exemptions is a game-changer for federal and state labor laws.
Compliance "Health Checks": Angelo’s top-tier advice on staying proactive vs. reactive—avoiding penalties that can cost agencies millions.
The Diversification Playbook: Why leading agencies are branching into VA services, private duty, and alternative care models to survive funding volatility.
Advocacy as a Business Strategy: How to bridge the education gap with lawmakers who still don't understand the vital difference between home health and home care.
Learn more about Angelo Spinola's services at polsinelli.com/angelo-spinola
 
 
produced by slanted.design

Home Care Updates with Bliss: A Very Advocacy New Year

Links from the Episode
Share Your Story -- > https://heartsforhomecare.quorum.us/campaign/h4hc-stories/
Register for South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Advocacy Day! --> https://heartsforhomecare.quorum.us/event/29560/
Ho, ho, ho, advocates! We are in the middle of the holiday season and we have an all-new Home Care You Say? Update with host Bliss Pointer, as she delivers a quick look at the state of home care and advocacy across the nation.
As we say goodbye to 2025, Bliss breaks down the latest federal and state-level wins (and challenges) that will shape the industry in 2026. Whether you're a care recipient, a family member, or a caregiver, you won't want to miss our "naughty and nice" lists of important legislation to watch!
In this episode, we cover:
Federal "Stocking Stuffers": A quick look into the CMS final Home Health Rule and what a 1.3% funding reduction actually means for the future of advocacy.
The North Carolina Turnaround: How tireless storytelling led to a massive retroactive reversal of rate reductions—a true holiday win for families, but the fight is not over!
State-by-State Sleigh Ride:
New Jersey & Delaware: Using social media and "home visits" to bridge the gap with lawmakers.
Pennsylvania: Gearing up for the big Advocacy Day.
Missouri: The fight for rate stability.
Florida & South Carolina: Early previews of 2026 budget proposals and upcoming legislative dates and Advocacy Days.
Mixed Weather: We track further State updates across the country to prepare for 2026.
The Power of Your Story: Why legislators are more engaged online than ever, and how your personal experience can literally change the law.
Don't forget! If you have questions for our next Q&A segment, send them in! If your question is featured on the show, you’ll win a special prize. 🎁 Tag us on social media or send your questions to advocacy@heartsforhomecare.com.
So pull up a chair, grab some cocoa, and let’s get into the spirit of making a difference.
 
Produced by slanted.design
 
 

Navigating the Future of Home Care with Mordechai Wolhendler (GlattHealth CEO)

In this episode, Mike sits down with Mordechai Wolhendler, CEO of Glatthealth Home Care Consulting Group. Drawing from his background as a former home care operator, Mordechai shares insider perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing the industry today—from the skyrocketing costs of staffing to the confusion surrounding industry terminology in legislative halls.
Whether you are a startup agency, a multi-state operator, or an advocate for better care, this conversation sheds light on the "long game" of advocacy, the inevitable rise of AI and robotics in care, and how to navigate a heavily regulated industry. On top of that, we are also gearing up for the gigantic Home Care Show in Miami this February, where industry experts from around the country gather to discuss rising trends, advocacy, incoming legislation, and develop their strategies for the new year.
Learn more about The Home Care Show Miami at powwowevent.com/homecare-miami
In this episode:
GlattHealth Advancing the Industry: Discover how a gap in quality consulting for startups and growth-stage agencies inspired Mordechai to pivot from operator to consultant.
The Home Care Show: A preview of the premiere networking event in Miami (February 2026), a must in the industry for executives and multi-state operators.
The Real Compliance Challenge: It’s not just about rules; it's about experience and foresight. Mordechai explains how rising staffing costs and cost-of-living adjustments are squeezing agencies, potentially pushing the industry toward remote monitoring and robotics.
The "Home Care" vs. "Home Health" Confusion: A look at why legislators often misunderstand the difference between skilled and non-skilled care, and why clarifying this terminology is critical for successful advocacy.
Advocacy is a Long Game: Why you can't just show up during budget season. Effective advocacy requires building year-round relationships and educating policymakers on the operational realities of the home.
AI Beyond the Buzzwords: How Artificial Intelligence is being used to reduce office overhead, automate scheduling, and match caregivers to client needs to improve long-term viability.

Home Care Updates with Bliss: CMS Rule, VA Updates, and Federal and State Advocacy

Get ready to grab your coffee and your earbuds—it's time for the inaugural edition of our new bi-weekly segment, 'Home Care Updates', hosted by Bliss Pointer!
We know that following new policies and tracking legislation can be tough, but staying current is non-negotiable. We track the trending topics and top legislation each week to keep you updated, and this week, we're diving into the new legislation and legislators that are impacting the home health industry. We're making complex legislation understandable (and maybe even a little fun!).
What’s on the policy hit list this week?
The CMS Final Home Health Rule: We break down the implications of this huge announcement.
The VA 2026 Fee Schedule: Get the details on what's ahead for 2026.
Federal & State Policy Pushes: Hear how advocates are gearing up for the next congressional push, about upcoming Advocacy Days that you can join, and all the critical legislative changes brewing in select states.
Your Call to Action: Don't just listen—participate! We're looking for your burning questions and topic suggestions! Send them to advocacy@heartsforhomecare.com for a chance to be answered on the show. Plus, you will learn how you can win prizes and be a part of the next update with Bliss.
As always, we would love for you to join H4HC's free advocacy program at heartsforhomecare.com, and support the frontline workers who provide care, and the clients who depend on them.

From Pain to Purpose: Advocacy in Home Care (Rep. Kyle Mullins)

In this episode, Rep. Kyle Mullins discusses the importance of advocacy in home care, sharing personal stories and insights into the legislative process. He emphasizes the need for personal connections in advocacy and the impact of budget impasses on local communities. The conversation also touches on the personal side of public service and the importance of community engagement.
 
Become an advocate for free at heartsforhomecare.com

Coming Soon: Grassroots advocacy and interviews with host Michael Sokoloski

With over 30 years of health care experience, Mike has been passionate about engaging the wider home care community in sharing their voices through legislative advocacy. He values one-on-one connection and continued education for all advocates, so he can meet everyone “where they are” in their unique and personal advocacy journey. Mike is a proud Penn Stater and earned his Certificate in PAC (Political Action Committee) & Grassroots Management from the Public Affairs Council (PAC) in 2023.  Mike resides in Jermyn, PA, with home care nurse wife, two children, and 3 pugs.

Coming Soon: Home Care Update with Host Bliss Pointer

Join H4HC insider Bliss Pointer and stay ahead of the curve. Bliss offers important, boots-on-the-ground updates on everything you need to know right now. Be the first to learn about pending state and federal legislation that directly impacts home care workers and recipients, and follow along as she explains new compliance rules and industry trends so you're never caught off guard. Bliss also provides vital advocacy alerts and actionable steps on how to improve home care in your state and beyond. Join Bliss as she brings community voices to the forefront, sharing thoughts, questions, and insights from frontline workers, care providers, and their patients. 
 
Bliss Pointer is the Senior Associate for the Southeast Region at Hearts for Home Care, where she advocates for stronger support and recognition of home care and hospice services. A graduate of North Carolina State University, she studied Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs and a minor in Agricultural Business.
 
Bliss's lifelong connection to home care and hospice began as a volunteer, educating veterans, seniors, and families about the value of compassionate care. Over the years, she has worked closely with both state and federal leaders. Through attending events hosted by the National Alliance for Care at Home, she gained firsthand experience in national advocacy and policy strategy. Bliss has many years of experience working inside the state legislature, giving her an understanding of the day-to-day political process. 
 
When she’s not focused on home care advocacy, Bliss remains active in her agricultural roots through the Farm Bureau and enjoys working on her family’s century farm, raising cattle and chickens. Guided by her rural upbringing and her family’s legacy of military and health care service, she strives to use her voice to unite others and strengthen communities through education, empathy, and shared purpose.