THE ISSUES

The Partnership is dedicated to developing innovative reforms to improve the program integrity, quality, and efficiency of home healthcare for our nation's seniors.

See our priority issues:

Congress: Protect Medicare
Home Health

On Oct. 31, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) Final Rule for Calendar Year (CY) 2023, which included a permanent 7.85% payment cut to Medicare home health services.

While the Final Rule offered some minimal, short-term relief by instituting a phased-in payment permanent reduction of 3.925% for CY 2023, the cuts over the next 10 years are serious and will have significant implications and consequences for access to Medicare services for patients. In total, these cuts will reach over $18.15 billion in the next ten years. CMS also still plans to apply at least $3.5 billion in “clawback cuts” for Medicare services provided to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allow America’s Seniors to Come Home Safely after Hospitalization

The COVID-19 pandemic has vividly shown the limitations and risks of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and extended care at home beyond the pandemic makes sense. There is a better way to care for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries after hospital discharge.

To address these limitations, home health leaders support a cost-effective and patient preferred home-based extended care program – Choose Home – to supplement the existing Medicare Home Health benefit that better supports patients who choose to recover at home following a hospitalization.

The Choose Home Care Act is designed to serve those who are clinically appropriate for healthcare in their own home but need more services than available under the existing Medicare Home Health benefit.

Support Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

As our nation continues to confront the COVID-19 outbreak, the home health community is working aggressively to protect patients, home health care providers, and the communities we serve. As the outbreak continues to develop, the Partnership is working with the Administration and Congress to identify actionable measures for expanding home health under current federal regulations and suggesting specific policy changes to address these issues:

  • COVID-19 Waivers and Flexibilities: The current waivers and flexibilities granted by Congress and CMS have helped both home health providers and their patients. The Partnership supports the continued extension of the public health emergency (PHE) and the use of these waivers and flexibilities during 2021 and for expanding and making permanent a number of the waivers.
  • Provider Relief Funds: The provider relief funds allocated under the CARES Act have helped home health agencies during the PHE. The Partnership supports use of these funds for home health providers for assistance with either expenses incurred or lost revenue.
  • Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) for Home Health Services: Due to the continuing public health emergency, the Partnership encourages CMS to delay implementation of these demonstrations until the PHE ends.