MedPAC Pushes For 7% Reduction In Medicare Payment Rate, Highlights Decline In Home Health Care Usage

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) for the second year in a row called on Congress to reduce Medicare fee-for-service home health payments by 7%. In addition, the commission reported that the number of home health care agencies (HHAs) participating in Medicare increased in 2023, even though the number of beneficiaries decreased. In regards to […]

Capitol Hill Action Stokes Hopefulness For Home-Based Care Providers

For once, most representatives from both parties agreed that action is necessary. “I was encouraged by the engagement from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle,” Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece told me in an email after the March 11 hearing, at which he testified. “There was real recognition that home-based care is not only […]

WISH Act Proposed To Address Long-Term Care Crisis

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-New York) has introduced the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Michigan), to address America’s growing long-term care crisis. The WISH Act aims to create a federal long-term insurance program that provides financial support for disabled seniors while encouraging a more […]

Self-Direction Programs Aim To Empower Patients, Relieve Home-Based Care Staffing Shortages

As the demand for home-based care continues to rise amid a nationwide shortage of caregivers, self-direction programs are emerging as a vital solution. These programs empower individuals to choose their own caregivers, addressing unique cultural needs and fostering personal connections that enhance mental well-being and the quality of care. While controversy continues to swirl in […]

Hospital-At-Home Could Remain In Play With Continuing Resolution

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution that would extend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital-at-Home (HaH) waiver program and telehealth flexibilities through Sept. 30, pending Senate approval. This program, scheduled to end on March 31, enables hospitals to deliver hospital-level care to patients in their homes. However, […]

Fixing A ‘Badly Broken Medical System’: Home Care Leaders Testify Before Congress On Post-Acute Care

On Tuesday, post-acute care leaders and advocates testified before the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means regarding the importance of home health care. During the health subcommittee hearing titled “After the Hospital: Ensuring Access to Quality Post-Acute Care,” Empath President and CEO Jonathan Fleece and Dr. Dana Madison, owner of BSA Compassion Home Care, […]

The Rising Importance Of Social Workers On The Home Health Team

Addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) is becoming increasingly important due to new regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the shift toward value-based care payment models. With ongoing staffing shortages and a growing demand for home-based care services, social workers are taking on greater responsibilities to support the health care […]

Despite Muted M&A To Start Year, Private Equity Still Pursuing At-Home Care

This week brought some big news in the at-home care space, with the acquisition of BrightStar Care by a private equity firm. The deal is not the only PE-driven transaction to make headlines this year, with other examples including Renovus Capital Partners’ investment in Superior Health Holdings and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners’ acquisition of SYNERGY […]

Dealbook: Gracepoint Acquires Touching Hearts, Family Matters Merges With Homecare California

Gracepoint Home Care has acquired the assets of Touching Hearts Senior Care. The acquisition includes the full transition of Mobile, Alabama-based Touching Hearts Senior Care’s assets, which encompasses client relationships and staff. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Touching Hearts team and clients into the Gracepoint family,” Owner Dylan Maloney said in a statement. “We look […]