Appreciation for opportunities to learn from each other is a frequently cited benefit when members are asked, why join LeadingAge? To better understand what these members-learning-from-members opportunities are and how to access them, Katy Barnett, Director, Home Care and Hospice Operations and Policy, explains the origins and benefits of one type: a workgroup.

LeadingAge: What is the workgroup you lead? Why was it started?

Katy Barnett: We started the home health value-based payment (HHVBP) purchasing workgroup in February 2025. Last year was an important one for home health providers because it was the first year performance in the HHVBP model impacted provider payments. Members needed to build knowledge and hone their skills–for instance, how to read interim and annual performance reports, and better understand the metrics that influence quality measures, learn how to improve those metrics, for example–which in turn helps members to succeed in this new payment environment.

LeadingAge: What’s the difference between a member network and a workgroup?

Katy Barnett: We like to think of workgroups as subgroups–smaller and more focused–of our 16 member networks. The latter are meetings, open to members working in specific care settings, like home health or hospice, or topic areas, like technology, that meet virtually on a regular basis. These are opportunities for sharing, collaborating, and learning on a range of relevant topics.

Workgroups have a narrower definition and purpose: they’re for problem solving and expertise building on one issue. HHVBP, for instance, truly has an impact on providers’ bottom lines. Other LeadingAge workgroups include one on hospice quality and compliance, as well as several led by my policy team colleague at LeadingAge national, Jules Bilowich, vice president, housing policy. These include the affordable housing operations workgroup (asset management, compliance and oversight, facilities management, budget submissions, and general housing operations) and the affordable housing and services workgroup (Service Coordinator programming, budgets, reporting, and quality assurance, as well resident services and wellness programs).

LeadingAge: Can you share an example of  the HHVBP workgroup’s benefit?

Katy Barnett: We built it very intentionally. The goal was clear: to help members gain, build and exchange ideas through evidence-based learning and open dialogue. An outside expert, who has deep knowledge of this model, joins, but members’ input and participation is critical. One member told us that “being able to connect with others reinforces that we’re not alone.” To me, that says alot. Payment models are complicated. They’re not mastered overnight–and the pressure to improve is real.

On a positive note, though, it can be done. Another member shared, “Since joining the workgroup, we’ve seen measurable improvements, and an increase in our payment adjustment compared to the previous year.” So we’d love to have more members take advantage of the shared learning our workgroup offers!