CMS issues home health proposed payment rule for CY 2021

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services late today issued its calendar year 2021 proposed rule for the home health prospective payment system. CMS estimates that Medicare payments to home health agencies in CY 2021 would increase by 2.6%, or $540 million, compared to CY 2020.

Based on AHA’s preliminary review, the rule proposes only a small number of changes to the payment system. For example, it would make modifications in recognition of new telehealth activity related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also would retain the CY 2020 case-mix weights and payment thresholds used for low-volume cases, referred to as LUPAs. In addition, the rule would make no material changes to the HH quality reporting or value-based purchasing programs.

AHA will issue additional details on the rule soon and host a call for members.