Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022

Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022

This bill restricts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from decreasing payments for Medicare home health services based on certain adjustments until 2026.

Current law requires the CMS to make certain permanent and temporary payment adjustments under the Medicare prospective payment system for home health services based on behavioral assumptions for 2020 through 2026. The bill restricts the CMS from making adjustments that decrease payments until 2026; the CMS must also ensure that any such necessary decreases are made before 2032.

Bill 117 HR 8581, also known as the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to ensure that individuals who require home health services continue to have access to high-quality care.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the extension of the Medicare home health rural add-on, which provides additional payments to home health agencies in rural areas. This is important because rural areas often have fewer healthcare providers and resources, making it more difficult for individuals to access the care they need.

Additionally, the bill aims to address issues related to the Medicare home health payment system. It includes provisions to improve the accuracy of payment adjustments and ensure that payments are based on the actual needs of patients. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to promote transparency and accountability in the home health industry. This includes requirements for home health agencies to report data on quality measures and outcomes, as well as provisions to prevent fraud and abuse. Overall, the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022 seeks to ensure that individuals who require home health services receive the care they need in a timely and effective manner. It addresses issues related to payment, access, and quality of care, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients.