Payment cuts proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could affect the stability of the home health sector.
Medicare beneficiaries overwhelmingly support home health services and believe that Congress should protect these services, a recent poll indicates.
The poll, released by the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, found that 97% of Medicare beneficiaries want the government to maintain its coverage for home health services, while 88% of those surveyed believe Congress should pass legislation preventing cuts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to these services. .
Other findings from the poll:
- 91% of older Americans and Medicare beneficiaries prefer receiving short-term recovery or rehabilitation care at home
- 92% of registered voters think the government should maintain Medicare coverage for home health services so seniors are able to recover and rehabilitate in their own home
- 65% of voters oppose the proposed cuts by CMS
- 60% of those surveyed and more than 76% of voters over 65 would be less likely to support their congressperson if they were in favor of the proposed cuts
- 78% of voters think Congress should pass legislation to push back against CMS' proposed cuts
"The American people have made it clear that they overwhelmingly support and prefer home health care services," Joanne Cunningham, CEO of the partnership, said in a statement. "We must continue to protect access for Medicare beneficiaries by preventing these vital services from facing permanent and temporary reductions as proposed in the CY 2023 Prospective Payment System."
Cunningham added her hope that lawmakers in Congress will pass the Preserving Access to Home Health Act, which would ensure that the Medicare Home Healthcare Program would be protected. If enacted, the act would delay the proposed 7.69% cut from being implemented until 2026 and prevent an additional $2 billion "clawback" cut on services that were provided during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Without action,” Cunningham said, “Medicare home health services are at severe risk." Cunningham said.
“Without action, Medicare home health services are at severe risk.”
Joanne Cunningham, CEO, Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Legislation to protect Medicare home health services are largely supported by voters.
Older Americans and Medicare beneficiaries prefer to receive short-term care at home.
The Preserving Access to Home Health Act would delay the proposed 7.69% payment cut until 2026.