In this review: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: CY 2021 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements; and Home Infusion Therapy Services Requirements (proposed rule)
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2021
The Big Picture
Emergency use of telecommunications technology expansions would be made permanent, and HHAs could see a 2.6% pay increase beginning in 2021.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed payment rule for home health agencies includes an important shift in policy for CMS: the permanent use of telecommunications technology enacted as part of its response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, which includes services provided by PTs. The proposal would also increase pay to HHAs by about $540 million, which CMS says would translate to an estimated 2.6% increase overall.