The landscape of home health care is evolving through the introduction of two key models designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs: the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model and the Targeted Episode-Based Medicare Access and Payment (TEAM) model. These initiatives incentivize home health agencies to provide high-quality, coordinated care while addressing the […]
For the second consecutive year, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has issued a draft recommendation advising Congress to reduce Medicare payments to home health agencies by 7% beginning in 2026. During its December meeting, MedPAC discussed the adequacy of Medicare payments across various provider settings and reviewed its draft recommendations to Congress regarding payment […]
Residents in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to use lower-quality home health agencies, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Georgia, Athens. Using data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), Area Deprivation Index and Patient Care Star Ratings, researchers examined 1,657,133 Medicare beneficiaries who received home […]
A new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that Medicare spending is higher for beneficiaries who switch from Medicare Advantage (MA) to traditional Medicare compared to similar beneficiaries who have continuously been enrolled in traditional Medicare. These beneficiaries cost Medicare an average of 27% more, according to the analysis, which examined health costs […]
Congress has begun discussions on important health care policies set to expire on Dec. 31. On Dec. 3, Republicans submitted a preliminary proposal to Democrats, which includes a three-year extension of Medicare’s telehealth and hospital-at-home programs. They also suggested funding for community health centers and extensions for public health programs in Medicare and Medicaid. The […]
With the 2025 home health final payment rule came the admission-to-service policy — an update to the Medicare Conditions of Participation. In many ways, experts consider it a formalization of measures home health providers are already taking. Broadly, the policy has two parts. The first part requires home health providers to develop, implement and maintain […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its CY 2025 home health final payment rule Friday. It comes with an estimated aggregate increase to 2025 home health payments of 0.5%, or $85 million, compared to 2024 aggregate payments. But another permanent cut will be implemented in the new year. “CMS estimates that […]
Vice President Kamala Harris proposed a Medicare home care benefit earlier this month. Some found the proposal innovative and exciting, others found it unrealistic and potentially costly. Many in between found it well intentioned, but wanted to hear further details. But more broadly, Harris’ proposal evoked an interesting conversation, at least in my mind. Who […]
Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health employees who come from or have deep roots in the communities they serve. Many home-based care agencies leverage CHWs to build trusting client relationships and supplement workforce gaps. While a caregiver is responsible for helping a client in their home with personal care and activities of daily […]
With the “sandwich generation” top of mind, Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris unveiled plans for a new Medicare home-based care proposal earlier this month. The proposal would include non-medical home care services under the Medicare umbrella, aiding seniors in need of activities of daily living support. The policy – if enacted – would […]
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