Submitted by Lee Dobson, Area Director, NC Government Affairs (GAO)

GAO has been working collaboratively with the Association for Home & Hospice Care (AHHC) laying the groundwork for an increase this legislative session. As approved by our GAO Advisory Council, we are seeking to increase the aide rate under 3 programs and 2 settings from $13.88 to $17.00, over a 2-year period ($15.50 and $17.00). Substantive conversations with key lawmakers are gaining traction. This increase is a huge lift at $23.9M each year. Our legislative day, scheduled for May 17, will focus on garnering broad support for this much needed increase. Legislative Day registration is coming soon.