The Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and while full industry-wide data likely will not be available until mid-2027, the model will increasingly lead hospitals to emphasize outpatient services and tighten coordination between hospitals, home health agencies and other post-acute partners, experts told Home Health Care News. “[TEAM] changes […]
Economic downturns can prompt states to restrict home- and community-based services (HCBS), but could prompt states to pursue value-based contracts with providers. State Medicaid programs could consider these value-based arrangements over exclusive cuts or benefit reductions, said industry leaders speaking at Home Health Care News’ PAYER Summit in June. “Everyone right now should be a […]
On Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed shifts to Medicare’s Shared Savings Program (MSSP), accountable care organizations (ACOs) and physician payment structure with the broad goal of propelling a shift toward value-based care. The proposed changes, which include allowing ACOs with approved applications to decrease or cut beneficiary out-of-pocket costs for […]
Medicare Advantage (MA) is at an inflection point, prompting home-based care providers to rethink how they grow and whom they contract with. Plans and providers both need to adapt to changing MA trends, according to experts at Home Health Care News’ PAYER Summit. For providers, that could mean prioritizing collaborative payer relationships and, in some […]
At last week’s PAYER Summit, providers, policy experts and payer execs were largely aligned on what will separate successful home-based care organizations from the rest of the pack. Discussions at the event, hosted by Home Health Care News and Skilled Nursing News, included commentary on some notable changes in the payment landscape that have occurred […]
When CMS announced its proposed quality measures for Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) for 2028, I was a little surprised by the tone of many of the measures. Metrics like “People Realize Personal Goals” and “People Participate in the Life of the Community” stood in contrast to the “harder” data I’ve grown accustomed to […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a new set of quality measures for Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) for 2028. While the proposal’s 23 mandatory measures target state-level reporting, experts say its impacts would likely ripple down to HCBS providers. The proposed measures, published on Monday, are not likely to […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing a nationwide expansion of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, with the goal of driving more coordinated care for people receiving hip, ankle and knee replacements – including through home health and skilled nursing facility services. This proposed expansion would build on the […]
As 2026 draws closer, so too does the start of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) mandatory bundled Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). Savvy home health providers are taking strides to prepare. The TEAM model, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, offers significant upside for home health providers. Potential benefits include increased […]
State home and community-based services (HCBS) programs are on the chopping block due to Medicaid funding cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill – and reductions in HCBS services could have costly consequences. If the state of California cut its HCBS funding by just 10%, the state would likely spend over $1 billion to care […]
