CMS Releases Home Health Final Rule 2025

On November 1 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Calendar Year 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) final rule, which updates Medicare payment policies and rates for Home Health Agencies.  Unlike other Medicare provider types that have PPS rule updates corresponding to the federal fiscal year (10/1), home health … Read more

Exploring Age-Friendly Healthcare Programs

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) has launched two new specialty credentials for organizations providing home care and/or hospice.  These programs are in line with the Age-Friendly Health Systems (Care) programs and initiatives started by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and … Read more

Final 2025 SNF Rule – Rate Increase, More Fines

Under the Final 2025 (PPS) rule released last Wednesday, nursing homes are set to receive a 4.2% pay increase in Medicare Part A. Additionally, the facilities will encounter a stricter fines system, with civil monetary penalties being applicable in more situations. The Final Rule is available here: SNF Final Rule 2025 In April I wrote … Read more

CMS Releases 2025 PPS Proposed Rule for SNFs

It’s that time of year again where CMS begins to drop various rule proposals for updates to provider groups under PPS. From Hospitals, to SNFs, to Home Health and Hospice, each industry segment will see a proposed series of rate and programmatic (rule) updates from CMS. This is normal and it occurs at about the … Read more

Value-Based Care: What it is and How it Can Work for Post-Acute Providers

I get asked about value-based care a lot. It is a buzzword or term these days, somewhat driven by the rise in Medicare Advantage enrollment. Frankly, it is a bit of a catch-all concept that has its origins in Medicare and various demonstration projects (e.g., bundled payments) and the implementation of quality measures to “improve … Read more

Value-Based Care: Why it Matters, or Should, for Post-Acute Providers

Value-Based Care is kind of a vogue term, one that I encounter quite often. I also have used it when speaking or writing and know most people have no idea what it means or how it can be developed and/or applied. Value-based care is not a new concept. Medicare tried a foray into it back … Read more

SNFs Get a Bit of Good News: CMS Final Rule for FY 2024

SNFs got a little early Christmas present yesterday when CMS announced its Final Rule (PPS) for Fiscal Year 2024 (begins October 1, 2023). Instead of a 3.7% increase as proposed in the initial rule, CMS finalized a 4% increase (plus an additional 0.3%). Back in April, I wrote about the proposed rule.  That post is … Read more

Follow-Up: Real Impacts of Poor Quality and Lax Compliance

About ten days ago, I wrote a piece regarding the negative impacts providers can expect (and receive) when quality of care and service combined with vigilance on compliance are not primary in and across their organizations.  All too often, I hear companies and organizations that I work with, say they are committed to quality but by deeds, the evidence is … Read more

Don’t Miss Event: Webinar on Reducing Rehospitalizations

A week from today, I am conducting a webinar on reducing/avoiding unnecessary rehospitalizations.  With SNFs just experiencing the VBP impact (Medicare incentive or reduction) starting October 1, this event is extremely timely.  I’ll cover the health policy and reimbursement implications regarding rehospitalizations plus new QRP and QM updates.  I’ll also touch on PDPM implications.  Some great … Read more