Latest News
The most recent news, announcements, and regulatory updates for home health, hospice, and supportive care at home
What can Providers Give to Patients, Part 7
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. – Part 7 of the series on provider kickbacks summarizes a case from the OIG analyzing whether a free blood pressure screening falls under either of the laws preventing providers from incentivizing patients.
Subsidies Undecided
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – If Senate leaders cannot come together to solve the ACA subsidies issue before next week, insurance rates will skyrocket. If they can’t solve it by January 31st, the government may shut down…again.
CMS Proposed Changes
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – In the last 6 weeks, CMS has issued several proposals to reform policies in Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid. Optional participation forms are available and open comments are requested.
MedPAC Proposes Drastic Cut
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – After multiple years of rate adjustments, temporary cuts, and permanent cuts, home health reimbursement rates are low, but still supporting the negative margins of Medicare Advantage. Now, MedPAC wants to cut that margin to less than 0%.
What can Providers Give to Patients, Part 6
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. – In part 6 of the series on kickbacks, Hogue discusses inclusions and exceptions to the anti-kickback statutes when items and services promote access to care.
Feedback Adjusts Final Rule
From the National Alliance for Care at Home – Since 2019, Medicare home health providers have experienced severe cuts that have already led to a cascade of home health agency closures and reduced patient access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities. The cuts finalized by CMS today – 1.023% permanent and 3% temporary – will likely continue to exacerbate these trends.
Appeals Court Filing
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – The Alliance requests the right to assist a hospice agency in the midst of an appeal where a judge overruled a physician in determining whether a patient qualifies for hospice care. Bill Dombi and his law firm filed on behalf of the Alliance.
BREAKING NEWS: Home Health Final Rule
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – on Friday, November 28, CMS posted the CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule. The Rowan Report breaks down the key changes.
Hospice Carve-In is Out
National Alliance for Care at Home – On November 20, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Senate leadership expressing strong bipartisan support for policies that preserve the Medicare Hospice Benefit under Original Medicare.
What Can Providers Give to Patients, Part 5
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. – Part 5 in the series on what providers can give to patients discusses preventive services, clinical services, and reimbursable services that are included as exceptions.
Medicare Advantage Reform
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – multiple bills to reform Medicare Advantage are currently awaiting review by two committees. Are they reforming Medicare Advantage or eliminating it?
What Can Providers Give to Patients, Part 4
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. – Part 4 in the series on Provider Kickbacks discusses the apparent exception to the Anti-Kickback Statute: Vaccinations
Dr. Steve Landers: an Interview
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home for a one on one discussion about the inaugural annual meeting, the current advocacy issues in D.C., and the future of the Alliance.
National Alliance Annual Meeting: A Review
by Kristin Rowan, Editor – The inaugural annual meeting & expo from the newly-formed National Alliance for Care at Home was largely a success. Attendees saw the two associations come together to create a memorable week in New Orleans.
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