As was reported in last month’s Advocacy Newsletter, the CMS recently proposed to cut Medicare rates for home health services in 2023 by an unprecedented, permanent -7.69%. The net result of this cut along with inflation updates is -4.2% in 2023, equaling an $810 million cut starting next year. These devastating cuts would be disastrous for the industry.

Fortunately, the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022 was recently introduced in Congress to prevent these proposed cuts to home health payment rates from taking effect prior to 2026. Any adjustment needed to ensure budget neutrality under the new home health payment system would still be made within the budget window. If CMS determined that payment increases were needed to achieve budget neutrality, prior to 2028, upward adjustments would be made to support access to care.

Please utilize the extremely user-friendly NAHC Legislative Action Center, and with just ONE CLICK you can advocate for this important legislation with your Members of Congress!