CMS Issues 2022 Proposed Payment Rule for Home Health
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the proposed payment rule (CMS-1747-p) for home health agencies for Calendar Year (CY) 2022. The proposal increases Medicare payments to Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) by 1.7 percent next year, representing a $31 million increase. Last year's proposed payment rule included a 2.6 percent boost and ultimately a 1.9 percent increase in the final rule.
CMS disclosed that it is proposing to recalibrate the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) case-mix weights, functional levels, and comorbidity adjustment subgroups while maintaining the low utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2022. It is not planning on eliminating the behavioral adjustment percentage in the rate.
The payment rule expands the value-based purchasing model in 2022 by taking it nationwide. The rule also includes some adjustments to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program by removing the Drug Education on all Medications for Patient/Caregiver measure and home infusion therapy adjustments.
CMS also recommends making permanent selected regulatory blanket waivers related to home health aide supervision via telehealth that were issued to Medicare-participating home health agencies during the public health emergency (PHE). It also proposes allowing occupational therapists to conduct home health initial assessment visits and complete comprehensive assessments for patients.
CMS is asking to receive comments on the proposed rule by 5 p.m. on Aug. 27th. LeadingAge NY will be seeking input from members on the rule to provide in comment to CMS. The proposed rule can be accessed here.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-929-9342