History

Founded in 1965

Founded in 1965 by a small number of home care agencies, OCHCH provides membership to home care and hospice agencies and organizations that provide services for home care and hospice. In the 1980s, many home care agencies began opening hospices to help facilitate continuation of care for the terminally ill. For that reason, OCHCH expanded its membership to represent hospice providers.

In recent years, there have been significant changes in payor sources, program benefits, and regulatory laws affecting the home care and hospice industry. OCHCH has continually evolved to maintain its most basic purpose of helping agencies so more people can receive health care at home. Highly-specific industry information, advocacy, and unity continue to be the driving force behind the association.

Through the Years of OCHCH

1965

Home care becomes a Medicare benefit: On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law legislation that established the Medicare and Medicaid programs, providing hospital, post-hospital extended care, and home health coverage to almost all Americans aged 65 or older and providing states with the option of receiving federal funding for providing health care services to low-income children, their caretaker relatives, the blind, and individuals with disabilities.
Home health agencies in Ohio band together and organize as the Ohio Council of Home Health Agencies (OCHHA).

1974

OCHHA files Articles of Incorporation on December 12, 1974, legally establishing the association as a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it.

1982

The Dorothy Royce Award is created to recognize champions of the industry.

1984

The first Home Care Resource Guide was published, creating a comprehensive listing of association members.

1989

The Association changed its name to the Ohio Council for Home Care (OCHC).
The Center for Community Based Care (CCBC) is created in response to new federal requirements in the Medicare Home Health Benefit (42 CFR), which requires home health aides to complete a competency evaluation program, including training and testing. CCBC partnered with an independent firm for creation of the test, which met Medicare requirements. CCBC then offered the test to the home health community.

1990

OCHC expands education program and becomes a provider of contact hours for nurses through the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA).

1995

OCHC hosts first Government Day, offering members the opportunity to interact with lawmakers and advocate for the industry.

1998

Council launches first website, www.homecareohio.org, providing members with online information and new ways to connect to resources.

2005

OCHC wins the fight against Medicaid home care co-pays.

2006

OCHC creates the “Serving Ohioans, Savings for Ohio” campaign.
OCHC successfully fought ODJFS’ proposed cuts of $8 million to the Ohio Home Care Program and Private Duty Nursing.

2007

OCHC commissioned the “Economic Study of Long-Term Care in Ohio,” by Columbus-based firm of Levin, Driscoll & Fleeter.
Governor Ted Strickland selects OCHC to represent industry on Unified Long-Term Care Budget Workgroup.

2009

The Association changes its name to the Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice (OCHCH).

2010

OCHCH is recognized by the executive administration and the General Assembly as the leading spokesman for home care and hospice organizations and leads the fight to preserve essential funding.

2011

OCHCH participated in the Integrated Care Delivery System (ICDS), which combines the Medicare and Medicaid Eligibles into a single delivery system.
The “Move to Improve” project was launched, providing solid evidence that proper use of home care can better serve clients and save millions.

2012

OCHCH worked with the administration and Attorney General on criminal background checks post-hiring for employees in home and community-based settings.

2013

OCHCH won the Silver Power of A Award for the “Move to Improve” campaign from the American Society of Association Executives.

2014

OCHCH Center for Excellence opens in May, providing a permanent facility to host education programs.

2015

Membership grows to record number.
Inaugural Palliative Care Forum held in August.