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

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

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

• 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.