Saltmarsh Siren: Proposed 2025 Home Health Rules

7/30/2024

The 2025 Proposed Rule for Home Health Agencies (HHAs) set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suggests significant changes for HHA providers. Specifically, those changes include:  

  • A 2.5%  net inflation rate update;
  • Recalibration of 432 case-mix weights and low utilization payment adjustment thresholds;
  • The addition of a reporting requirement related to health equity measures to better understand disparities and improve patient outcomes;
  • A behavioral health services adjustment to address changes in provider behavior that affect Medicare spending as part of CMS's ongoing effort to refine the Patient-Drive Groupings Model; 
  • An extension of certain telehealth flexibilities that were initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and would allow HHAs to offer remote services if/when they are clinically appropriate; 
  • Changes to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data collection requirements to reduce the administrative burden on HHAs; 
  • New infection control and prevention requirements; and,
  • Updates to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program including removal and replacement of measures as set forth below:

Table of program removals and replacements.

These changes are part of CMS's broader efforts to enhance the quality of care provided by HHAs to promote health equity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Medicare program. Public comments on the proposed rule are being accepted through 08/26/2024. Click here to view the proposed rule and commentary option on the Federal Register's website.

If you have questions regarding the proposed changes, contact the Saltmarsh Healthcare Consulting team.

Stay Up To Date!
Join our Saltmarsh Siren email list to receive our team's analysis of hot topics in healthcare and insight on current changes, such as complex regulatory matters, Medicare and Medicaid updates and more.

Related Posts

Since 1944 Achieving Success by Contributing to the Success of Others