HHAeXchange Acquires Cashé Software

HHAeXchange

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Michelle Rand, Alloy
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HHAeXchange Acquires Cashé Software, Strengthening Homecare Operations for Thousands of Agencies and Individuals

Acquisition secures expanded access to solutions that enable caregivers, families, providers, and payers to deliver the best care in the home

NEW YORK, June 18, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leader in homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), state Medicaid agencies, and fiscal intermediaries, today announced its acquisition of Cashé Software, a leading Minnesota-based solution for homecare operations and billing. The strategic transaction brings together two premier, complementary providers of end-to-end homecare software platforms, significantly expanding the combined company’s ability to help thousands of homecare providers and payers across the U.S. ensure compliance, streamline billing, and optimize workforce management. 

The homecare industry continues to experience rapid growth, and is expected to increase from $100 billion in 2024 to $176 billion by 2032. Software that streamlines operations and enables agencies to achieve better health outcomes will play a key role in this projected growth, as home and community-based services (HCBS) providers increasingly turn to such tools to manage all aspects of their agency operations. 

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we join forces with Cashé. In addition to its robust product set, the company shares HHAeXchange’s passion for homecare, technology, and innovative software,” said Paul Joiner, HHAeXchange’s Chief Executive Officer. “Homecare agencies need purpose-built technology to support them in delivering quality care. We are thrilled to partner with the Cashé team to collaborate on our vision of delivering the most comprehensive solution that drives operational efficiency, increases compliance, and improves health outcomes.” 

Since 2004, Cashé has provided advanced technology and services to simplify and streamline mission critical processes, benefiting more than 400 homecare agencies in Minnesota. With its recent launch of the Pavillio platform, Cashé continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping agencies get paid faster, increase team capacity, eliminate error-prone manual processes, and automate revenue cycle management. 

“For 20 years, Cashé has been focused on ensuring our customers can rely on our software to help them deliver the best care in the home,” said former Cashé President Praba Manivasager, who now leads the Cashé business unit at HHAeXchange. “This commitment is strengthened by our partnership with HHAeXchange, and we look forward to working together as a team to accelerate our vision of building the software platform that sets the standard for efficient workflows and insightful data.” 

For more information about HHAeXchange, its solutions, or the Cashé acquisition, visit www.hhaexchange.com

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About Cashé Software 

Cashé Software is a leading technology partner for Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) providers serving the Medicaid aging and disability population. Dedicated to helping agencies implement top operational practices and achieve the highest standards of care, Cashé Software offers end-to-end solutions that have enabled hundreds of agencies automate operations, implement EVV, ensure compliance, and achieve an impressive 99% first-time payment rate on billing. Driven by their mission to positively impact 2 million lives, all of Cashé’s solutions are designed with a person-centered focus to empower the entire care team. 

HHAeXchange Makes Leadership Changes

by Kristin Rowan, Editor

On February 21, 2024, HHAeXchange announced a change in leadership for the homecare management solutions company. Former Chief Revenue Officer Scott Schwartz was named Chief Operating Officer and new hire Lori Harrington came on board as the Senior Vice President of Product. You can read the press release from HHAeXchange here.

HHAeXchange provides management solutions for providers, MCOs, and state Medicaid agencies. The software was designed specifically for home and community-based services (HCBS) and connects state agences, MCOs, providers, and caregivers through its web-based platform. According to HHAeXchange, the personnel changes show the company’s “commitment to providing innovative solutions that some homecare industry challenges.

I had the opportunity to reach out to Scott and Lori to get, in their own words, their visions for the future of HHAeXchange and the industry.HHAeXchange

The Rowan Report: Thank you, Scott and Lori for taking some time to talk with The Rowan Report. First, congratulations to you both on your new roles. Can you each share a little about your background and career?

Scott Schwartz: For over 20 years, I’ve focused on system of record, vertical SaaS software and technology, with experience leading sales, marketing, client success and operations. I started my career as a process engineer and have held leadership positions at several SaaS companies, including as the founder and general manager of CampSite. I joined HHAeXchange in 2017 as vice president and have also served as senior vice president and chief revenue officer before stepping into my current role. As chief operating officer, my aim is to galvanize the organization around a shared vision of operational efficiency, innovative service delivery, and customer satisfaction.

Lori Harrington: I have enjoyed a career of over 20 years in healthcare with a background in product strategy and informatics. In my most recent role as vice president of product management at Teledoc, I led product strategy for value-based care initiatives. My passion for digital transformation in B2B2C markets has driven successful healthcare initiatives from ideation to commercialization. I believe that success in healthcare is really understanding your users and building solutions to solve their everyday problems in a seamless, understandable way.

RR: Scott, as part of your new responsibilities at HHAeXchange, how will you ensure effective communication and collaboration between internal departments to better serve customers?

Scott: We’re focused on enhancing our platform, which connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers and caregivers, so cross-departmental communication and collaboration are vital. With shared services such as implementation, revenue cycle operations, integrations, technical customer care, training, and customer education under my purview, I plan to streamline communication pathways and ensure all teams are aligned with and working toward our common goals.
We want to leverage our teams’ diverse talents to drive transformation. My approach includes fostering an integrated work environment where interdepartmental meetings, clear information channels, and shared objectives are the norm. Regular check-ins and transparent leadership are key to ensuring every department understands how their work directly benefits our clients, the members they serve, and the company’s broader goals.

RR: And how will you ensure HHAeXchange’s solutions and product enhancements meet the needs of all homecare stakeholders – caregivers, provider agencies, members, and payers?

Scott: Engaging with stakeholders is critical. We involve provider agencies, caregivers, payers and others in our development process to ensure that our platform addresses real-world needs effectively. Our comprehensive engagement strategies support this with initiatives like periodic customer summits, road shows, and information sessions to capture a wide array of insights and feedback.
We monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, which are factored into planned enhancements and solution updates. And with a team of reputable industry experts, we’re working to ensure that our products exceed the evolving needs of all homecare stakeholders.

Lori: We understand that stakeholders in the homecare space have diverse and critical needs. We keep a pulse on industry trends and challenges such as issues with caregiver turnover, regulatory & compliance changes, increasing volume of live-in caregivers, and an increase in diversification in home care utilization. With these observations, we aim to provide products that support healthcare agencies and caregivers as these trends evolve. Our solutions must be built with a nimbleness that accounts for a continuous change in regulations, EVV compliance requirements, and stakeholder expectations. Frequently engaging with stakeholders, conducting thorough market research, and incorporating feedback loops are integral to our product development processes.

RR: Lori, you mentioned the diverse needs of your stakeholders. What are the greatest problems your clients and prospects say they are looking to solve with improved homecare management software solutions and EVV platforms?

Lori: Our clients are prioritizing caregiver retention and looking for comprehensive solutions to streamline operational processes like billing, HR, and payroll while ensuring regulatory compliance and providing high-quality member care. They need tools to manage the diverse locations of members’ and workers’ schedules, foster strong member-caregiver matches, and enable transparent communications among provider teams.

Taking those challenges into consideration, HHAeXchange aims to equip our solutions with time-saving, stress-reducing features. Operational worklists, for example, alert agencies to important dates and actions their teams need to take regarding caregiver compliance and client authorizations. Our appointment module and case broadcasting feature reduce hassles associated with scheduling visits and quickly filling unexpectedly open shifts.

RR: Two questions, Lori. What trends are you seeing that are transforming homecare delivery models and, in addition to technology, are there any other trends shaping the homecare industry in 2024?

Lori: The ongoing caregiver shortage remains a concern, driving a shift toward more strategic technology investments and training opportunities. Homecare delivery is becoming more person-centered, suggesting the industry has adjusted to EVV and is using the technology to incorporate collaboration with families as caregiver participants. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on self-direction, with clients seeking more choice, flexibility and control in their care. Compliance is gaining more attention, with increased scrutiny to ensure standards of care are met across the board. Data and analytics will continue to be a primary enabler for how healthcare is shaped. We account for all of this in our product strategy and development plans.

RR: Final questions for you, Scott. How does HHAeXchange envision the homecare industry evolving in 2024 and, more specifically, how do you see the company’s innovations playing a role in that transformation?

Scott: The homecare industry is at a critical juncture. As Lori said, we’ve noted significant shifts toward value-based care, self-directed care, and person-centered approaches. At the same time, the fundamentals of homecare are as important as ever. HHAeXchange’s role is to stay ahead of trends while improving product offerings and customer experiences. We strive to balance innovative thought leadership with steady progress, continually enhancing the functionality of our foundational platforms to meet clients’ needs.
We’re investing in scalable technology, service improvements, customer education, and strategic integrations to accommodate the industry’s evolution. Our leadership is committed to empowering providers and payers alike with tools to improve caregivers’ efficiency and address fraud, waste and abuse in the industry. Through these efforts and plans, we aim to facilitate a more sustainable, higher-quality, and accessible homecare ecosystem for all involved, ensuring members have the option to receive care and treatment in the comfort of their own homes.

RR: Thank you both, again, for your time. I wish you both great success in your new roles.

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Kristin RowanKristin Rowan has been working at Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report since 2008. She has a master’s degree in business administration and marketing and runs Girard Marketing Group, a multi-faceted boutique marketing firm specializing in event planning, sales, and marketing strategy. She has recently taken on the role of Editor of The Rowan Report and will add her voice to current Home Care topics as well as marketing tips for home care agencies. Connect with Kristin directly kristin@girardmarketinggroup.com or www.girardmarketinggroup.com

©2024 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report. One copy may be printed for personal use: further reproduction by permission only. editor@therowanreport.com

Leadership Changes at HHAeXchange

HHAeXchange Names Scott Schwartz as Chief Operating Officer, Announces New Senior Vice President of Product

New appointments highlight the company’s commitment to equipping providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies with solutions that enable more effective homecare

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leading provider of homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies, today announced that Scott Schwartz, formerly Chief Revenue Officer, has been appointed to Chief Operating Officer, and Lori Harrington has joined the team as Senior Vice President of Product.

After serving as Chief Revenue Officer, Senior Vice President, and Vice President of Sales & Marketing at HHAeXchange for nearly seven years, Scott Schwartz will step into a new role as Chief Operating Officer. In his new position, Schwartz will lead implementation, revenue cycle operations, integrations, technical customer care, training, and customer education. Bringing these functions under Schwartz’s leadership will evolve operations to enable more effective services and solutions.

“Over the past seven years, Scott has been integral in establishing HHAeXchange as the leader in homecare software through helping nearly 10,000 homecare provider agencies leverage technology and spearheading our robust Partner Connect program,” said Paul Joiner, Chief Executive Officer at HHAeXchange. “As we work to expand our platform and create better solutions for homecare providers and payers, Scott’s top priority will be driving operational excellence and delivering an improved end-to-end client experience.”

In addition to the appointment of Schwartz as COO, the company has announced Lori Harrington as the new Senior Vice President of Product. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Harrington brings an extensive healthcare product strategy and management background to the organization. In her most recent role, Harrington served as Vice President of Product Management for Teladoc, where she led product strategy for value-based care initiatives and was instrumental in developing a client innovation hub for strategic health plan clients, creating a streamlined experience for clients based on their emerging needs.

“Lori’s deep understanding of healthcare and her customer-centric approach will be crucial in advancing our product solutions to serve providers and payers better,” said Tim Brewer, Chief Technology Officer at HHAeXchange. “With her vast experience, Lori will play a pivotal role in driving product evolution and execution, improvements to our current products, and delivering solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers and the homecare industry to ultimately provide better customer satisfaction.”

As aging populations across the country continue to increase and more members express a preference for homecare, these new appointments will advance HHAeXchange’s commitment to setting new industry standards that enable providers, caregivers, payers, and families to deliver the best care in the home.

For more information about HHAeXchange and its executive team, please visit hhaexchange.com/leadership and follow the company on TwitterLinkedIn and Facebook.

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About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. To learn more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on TwitterLinkedIn and Facebook.

Principles Provide Insights into HHAeXchange-Gentiva Partnership

by Tim Rowan, Editor Emeritus

In September, we posted the announcement from HHAeXchange about their inking a deal to provide EMR and EVV software to Gentiva Personal Home Care. We had some questions about the partnership and both HHAeXchange president Stephen Vacarro and Gentiva president Richard Bruner took the time to speak with us.

Background and Context

Gentiva Health Services is a provider of Home Health and Hospice services. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company became an independent business unit of Kindred Healthcare in October, 2014. At the time of the acquisition, it had been a Fortune 100 company with over $1.7 billion in annual revenue.

Today, Gentiva provides in-home care to over half a million patients annually through over 420 locations in 40 states.

The Rowan Report: Can you provide an update about Gentiva and your role?

Bruner: Gentiva Health Services is a network of compassionate caregivers, clinicians, support personnel, and information technology teams who provide superior outcomes for patients across the post-acute continuum. Originally part of Olsten Corporation, Gentiva officially became an independent company on Aug. 6, 1999. Our services include personal care, palliative care, and hospice care. Through our personal care offerings, we deliver services to patients across Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, California, North Carolina and Missouri.

Through my role as Gentiva’s personal home care president, I oversee strategic planning for the company’s personal care programs, establish protocols and quality standards, drive key initiatives, build sustainable growth, and am responsible for day-to-day administrative operations.

RR: How did the partnership with HHAeXchange and Gentiva come about?

Bruner: Gentiva connected with HHAeXchange years ago through mutual industry contacts and kept up with the company’s progress. Later, when we began to evaluate our Texas agencies’ need for a new solution, we spent 18 months investigating and vetting major vendors in the homecare management software space.

Seeking a third-party, EVV-agnostic, cloud-based system, we narrowed the pool to two vendors who could meet our company’s needs while enhancing caregivers’ mobile experiences through simplified scheduling and coordination options. However, cost effectiveness and EVV prowess factored heavily into the final decision, which led to our selection of HHAeXchange.

RR: The Texas market is notoriously difficult. How does HHAeXchange differ from previous providers that gave up and left the state?

Vacarro: Texas is a large state with hundreds of thousands of patients receiving homecare on a regular basis from an incredibly broad roster of agencies and providers. While no two situations are alike and no two agencies do things exactly the same way, there is a commonality: the services they provide are incredibly valuable.

Because HHAeXchange understands the complex needs of homecare recipients and the critical work agency staffers are tasked with, we put considerable thought into the development of our EVV platform, its implementation, and its continued usage across Texas. We intend to differentiate ourselves and surpass standards set by our predecessors through our commitment to functionality.

We can’t custom-make solutions based on agencies’ and patients’ individual needs, but we can provide a platform with features versatile enough to be convenient and helpful to any user, no matter their agency size, location, workload, technological expertise or experience.

The HHAeXchange team also understands the importance of laying a solid foundation on which to build a new partnership and preparing for key transitions. So, for months ahead of our launch in Texas, our team spent a considerable amount of time hosting informational sessions for caregivers and agency owners and leading road shows throughout the state, demonstrating the EVV platform, answering questions, and getting more acquainted with the market.

I should add that, as part of our partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), our Portal is available at no cost to program providers, financial management services agencies, and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers. We’ve taken steps to offer simple and convenient access, enabling homecare providers to easily meet Texas state requirements while offering a streamlined experience for both back-office staff and service providers.

RR: Is HHAeXchange compatible with EVV aggregators in all of the states where Gentiva operates?

Vacarro: Yes, HHAeXchange seamlessly connects payers and providers across the homecare ecosystem. Our platform allows for the accurate capture and transmission of all visit data, regardless of which aggregator a state selects and which EVV vendor and tools a provider uses.

We regularly partner with Medicaid agencies and MCOs in open and closed model states, where our platform is utilized to submit agencies’ data to another aggregator. This is how we work in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and now in Texas, for example.

RR: Thank you, gentlemen. For background on the HHAeXchange-Gentiva partnership, see our September posting of their joint news release at: