Book your room at the discounted rate by 12/30/25

SCHEDULE

Home Care Warm Up kicks off on Tuesday, January 20, with the optional Home Health Fundamentals Workshop, designed for emerging home health leaders, followed by an evening welcome reception for everyone to connect with peers and sponsors. The main event on Wednesday, January 21, features networking opportunities and in-depth sessions unpacking the latest Medicare updates, regulatory changes, and strategies to strengthen agency performance.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Pre-Event

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Kick off your Home Care Warm Up experience with a continental breakfast and conversation among fellow home care professionals. Check in, pick up your materials, and start making meaningful connections before the day’s programming begins.

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Home Health Fundamentals Workshop

Jessica Devine & Patti Heid • Home Care Association of Florida

Perfect for new and emerging leaders — or anyone looking for a refresher on the basics — this hands-on.this hands-on workshop provides practical insights into Medicare clinical standards, compliance essentials, and operational success strategies. Led by HCAF’s Patti Heid and Jessica Devine, the program blends expert instruction with real-world application to strengthen management skills and build leadership confidence. Optional pre-conference session; additional fee applies.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Registration (continued)

Early arrivals for the main event may check in, collect name badges and materials before the evening reception.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

Wrap up the day by connecting with peers, speakers, and sponsors during a relaxed networking reception for everyone to connect. Enjoy refreshments, build relationships, and get ready for a full day of insights ahead.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 • Warm Up Main Event

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Enjoy a full breakfast with peers and reconnect with colleagues before sessions begin. It’s a great opportunity to share insights, ideas, and goals for 2026.

8:15 AM – 9:45 AM

AHCA Home Health Regulatory Outlook 2026: Navigating What's Next

Kim Smoak, Susan Harris Lowery & Kimberly McIntyre • Agency for Health Care Administration

Begin the new year with an exclusive briefing from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) designed to equip home health leaders with the insight and foresight needed for 2026. Hear directly from Kimberly Smoak, MSH, QIDP, Deputy Secretary for Health Quality Assurance and State Survey Agency Director; Susan Lowery, RN, BSN, Government Analyst; and Kimberly McIntyre, RN, as they outline current priorities, new initiatives, and evolving expectations for Medicare-certified providers. Gain clarity on the latest policy updates and rulemaking activities reshaping Florida’s regulatory environment. This session will provide practical takeaways to strengthen compliance readiness, align agency operations with AHCA’s direction, and position your organization for success in 2026 and beyond.

9:45 AM – 10:10 AM

Networking Break

Take a break, grab refreshments, and connect with attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Engaging with sponsors increases your chances of winning exciting prizes during the end-of-day raffle!

10:10 AM – 11:25 AM

Proving Medical Necessity: Documentation, Recertification & Submission Compliance for Medicare Payment

J'non Griffin & Kimberly Wilkerson • SimiTree

Demonstrating medical necessity is essential for patient-centered care and directly impacts compliance and affirmation rates under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Review Choice Demonstration (RCD). This session provides strategies to document, review, and communicate medical necessity effectively — reducing denials, improving affirmation rates, and ensuring compliance with Medicare payment requirements.

11:30 AM – 12:20 PM

Home Health CAHPS® 2026: Navigating the Upcoming Changes With Confidence

Lindsay Doak • BerryDunn

The Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey is evolving as of April 1, 2026. This session offers a clear guide to understanding new requirements, methodology updates, and reporting expectations. Learn actionable strategies to maintain compliance, optimize patient experience data, and drive quality improvement.

12:20 PM – 1:20 PM

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet while connecting with industry professionals, speakers, and exhibitors.

1:20 PM – 2:35 PM

Lead the Charge: Guiding Your Team to VBP Excellence in 2026

Melinda Gaboury • Healthcare Provider Solutions

The Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) program enters a new era in 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is implementing major changes effective January 1, 2026, reshaping how quality, cost, and functional outcomes determine reimbursement. Industry expert Melinda Gaboury will break down the 2026 rule changes and translate them into practical, immediately actionable strategies. Learn how new requirements impact clinical operations, therapy utilization, financial stability, and agency performance under HHVBP — and walk away with a clear action plan to strengthen outcomes and safeguard revenue.

2:35 PM – 3:00 PM