Can You Get Into a ‘Closed’ VA State or Not with Carmen Perry

Live at HCAOA—45 minute conversation with Carmen Perry, the VP of Provider Engagement @ ParadigmHighlights:Carmen started in skilled nursing, where she saw how many seniors wanted to stay home but couldn’t afford care—driving her to learn funding options like Aid & Attendance.Veterans often distrust the VA due to past inconsistencies; bringing in TriWest and Optum improved operations and triggered an influx of providers.Many markets are now oversaturated, but veterans still have choice—agencies can find and enroll veterans directly, even in “closed” states like CA and TX where rural gaps still exist.Biggest myth: getting credentialed brings instant referrals. Reality: you earn growth through excellent care and strong relationships with case managers.Success depends on communication, advocacy, and becoming the local expert—engage with VFW posts, American Legion, and Wounded Warrior groups.Credentialing varies widely by state and timeline; you need proper licensing, NPI, compliance, and patience.First referrals are high-stakes: follow VA rules (no OT, no holiday pay, correct billing cycles) to avoid risking credentialing.Nationwide, VA hours and authorizations are tightening; incomplete caregiver notes can result in lost hours because case managers lack context.Providers must tell the full story in documentation and prepare for stricter screening and re-credentialing processes that are popping up at more and more VA offices. Paradigmseniors.com / vault.paradigmseniors.com National Aging in Place Council: https://ageinplace.org/ Sponsors:Baba (callbaba.com): AI phone-based co-pilot for seniors to prevent loneliness, create support, and connect them with professionals Paradigm (paradigmseniors.com): Credentialing, billing automation, and revenue cycle management for VA and Medicaid paymentsHomeSight (vantiva.com/homesight): TV-based wellness hub for blended care—video visits, health monitoring, and daily reminders for the family and care team