Leadership from the Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice have been actively communicating with, and testifying to, elected officials and policy makers to ensure that the new State Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 includes fair and equitable funding for home- and community-based services.
The Council is grateful for the opportunity to present our industry’s concerns and suggest solutions for funding and workforce needs to Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee, Workforce and Higher Education Committee, and Medicaid Committee. See below for details, video replays, and transcripts of our engagement with these critically important legislative committees. A special thank you to OCHCH member firm Hicks Partners for their support in our advocacy outreach.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair: Rep. Brian Stewart
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Meeting Details & Transcripts on OhioHouse.gov
Full Meeting Replay or skip ahead to testimony by Lisa Von Lehmden
3/11/25 Update: “A Big Day at the Ohio Statehouse! The Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice is fired up! Today, we had the incredible opportunity to testify before the Ohio House Finance Committee, advocating for critical changes that will impact home care agencies across the state.
A huge shoutout to Rep. Jean Schmidt for her passion and leadership in supporting our recommendation to pause the adjudication of claims tied to EVV—a move that will bring much-needed relief to agencies struggling with delayed payments. This is a game-changer for providers, caregivers, and the patients who depend on them!
** Even though this could be a huge win for everyone, this is not approved at the legislative or executive level – we still have work to do. Please continue to operate in regards to EVV claims as you are today.
At the Council, our agencies are our #1 priority. We are relentless in our fight to ensure you get the support, resources, and fair policies you deserve. Today was a major step forward, and we won’t stop until we see real change. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!” – Lisa
Medicaid Committee
Committee Chair: Rep. Jennifer Gross
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Meeting Details & Transcripts on OhioHouse.gov
Full Meeting Replay or skip ahead to testimony by Lisa Von Lehmden, Kimberly King, and Michael Vallee
Lisa was joined by OCHCH Board members Kimberly King, Chief Operating Officer, Home Care Network, Inc. and Michael Vallee, President, Your Choice Health Care Group.
Workforce and Higher Education Committee
Committee Chair: Rep. Tom Young
Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Meeting Details & Transcripts on OhioHouse.gov
Full Meeting Replay or skip ahead to Lisa’s testimony
Children and Human Services Committee
Committee Chair: Rep. Andrea White
Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Meeting Details & Transcripts on OhioHouse.gov
Full Meeting Replay or skip ahead to Lisa’s testimony
