Literature Review

All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Orgs NHPCO NAHC NPHI etc.”



American Oncology Network achieves success in first performance period of CMMI’s enhancing oncology model

04/23/25 at 03:00 AM

American Oncology Network achieves success in first performance period of CMMI’s enhancing oncology model Stock Titan, Globe Newswire, Fort Myers, FL; 4/22/25 American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing community oncology networks, today announced strong results from the first performance period in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM). AON practices participating in the program—in collaboration with value-based cancer care enabler Thyme Care—achieved nearly $6M in cost savings for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). AON also earned a performance-based payment while improving patient experience and outcomes.

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What healthcare leaders can learn from palliative medicine

04/21/25 at 03:00 AM

What healthcare leaders can learn from palliative medicine Becker's Hospital Review; by Elizabeth Gregerson; 4/18/25 The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in March appointed Kristina Newport, MD, as chief medical officer for the organization.  Dr. Newport currently serves as chief of palliative care for Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Health. She recently spoke with Becker’s about her priorities as AAHPM’s new CMO, as well as the role palliative care can play in oncology.Question: Congratulations on your appointment, what are your top priorities in this new role?Dr. Kristina Newport: Thank you. It’s really a privilege to be in this role and give back to the organization that raised me up. I’ve been a member of the Academy since 2007 when I was a medical resident, so the academy really has guided my career. One of my first priorities is to understand our members’ needs.  ... My second priority is developing and strengthening the relationships we have with other organizations who share our mission.  ... [The] foundations of palliative care are to prioritize what matters to patients and address the whole person through human connections and relationships. We have strong evidence in the literature that says when we do that well, we decrease non-beneficial treatment and improve the patient’s well-being, as well as the well-being of people that care for them. At the same time, we decrease unnecessary costs in the healthcare system while improving healthcare worker satisfaction. 

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3 major tactics used by hospice scammers

04/21/25 at 03:00 AM

3 major tactics used by hospice scammers Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/18/25 Among the numerous tactics that unscrupulous hospices use to commit fraud, three are rising to the forefront. Four states have garnered national attention as fraud hotbeds — Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. These regions have seen swarms of new hospices emerging and receiving Medicare dollars. Numerous reports of unethical or illegal practices have surfaced, particularly among these new companies. ... One common practice among them is to keep their patient census low to avoid regulators’ attention, Judy Lund Person, principal of the consulting firm Lund Person and Associates, ... Among these providers, three principal tactics are emerging, according to Sheila Clark, president and CEO of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association. ...

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Statement by the American Nurses Association on the importance of nursing specific science and research and the leaked FY 2026 HHS Budget Proposal

04/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Statement by the American Nurses Association on the importance of nursing specific science and research and the leaked FY 2026 HHS Budget Proposal American Nurses Association; Press Release, newsroom@ana.org; 4/17/25 Nursing-specific science and research is uniquely positioned to inform the health care delivery system on evidence-based approaches to patient-centered, quality care that meets the needs of patients as effectively and efficiently as possible. ... “The American Nurses Association (ANA) is deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the leaked draft FY 2026 proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the elimination of National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and deep cuts to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs," expressed American Nurses Association President Dr. Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “ANA firmly believes that NINR plays a vital role in ensuring that research guided by nurses’ education, experiences, and clinical training continue to enable our overall health care system to improve and be driven by evidence.” ... Further, ANA is grateful for the broad bipartisan support these programs have historically received from Congress and will work closely with lawmakers to safeguard funding for these programs during the FY2026 appropriations process.  ...

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Palliative care and advanced cardiovascular disease in adults: Not just end-of-life care: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association

04/18/25 at 03:00 AM

Palliative care and advanced cardiovascular disease in adults: Not just end-of-life care: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association AHAIASA Journals - American Heart Association; by Lucinda J. Graven, PhD, APRN, FAHA, Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, Martha Abshire Saylor, PhD, MSN, BA, RN, Larry Allen, MD, MHS, FAHA, Angela Durante, PhD, RN, Lorraine S. Evangelista, PhD, RN, CNS, WAN, FAHA, Amy Fiedler, MD, James Kirkpatrick, MD, Lakeisha Mixon, MSW, and Rachel Wells, PhD, MSN, BA on behalf of the American Heart Association Complex Cardiovascular Nursing Care Science Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; 4/17/25  ... This scientific statement (1) discusses the application of effective communication, shared decision-making, age-friendly care, and advance care planning in advanced cardiovascular disease palliative care; (2) provides a summary of recent evidence related to palliative care and symptom management, quality of life, spiritual and psychological support, and bereavement support in individuals with advanced cardiovascular disease and their care partners; (3) discusses issues involving diversity, equity, and inclusion in cardiovascular disease palliative care; (4) highlights the ethical and legal concerns surrounding palliative care and implanted cardiac devices; and (5) provides strategies for palliative care engagement in adults with advanced cardiovascular disease for the care team.

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Ahead of National Volunteer Week and in celebration of National Volunteer Month, NPHI CEO urges Americans: “Step forward. Be present. Volunteer with your local hospice.”

04/17/25 at 03:10 AM

Ahead of National Volunteer Week and in celebration of National Volunteer Month, NPHI CEO urges Americans: “Step forward. Be present. Volunteer with your local hospice.” National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; by Matthew Wilkinson; 4/16/25 Ahead of National Volunteer Week next week, and in celebration of National Volunteer Month this April, the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is shining a light on the often-unsung heroes of hospice: volunteers. These compassionate individuals are central to the mission of NPHI’s member providers nationwide, offering their time, energy, and hearts to patients and families during life’s most tender and vulnerable moments. NPHI member organizations rely on nearly 30,000 volunteers to keep their programs running—almost matching the number of full- and part-time staff employed across its national member network. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of hospice volunteers contribute millions of hours of service annually. This deep tradition of volunteerism isn’t just symbolic—it’s built into the very structure of hospice care. All Medicare-certified hospices are required to have volunteers actively involved in patient and family support, reflecting the core values of compassion and community care that define the field.Editor's note: Throughout the year, find this and more national observances on our newsletters "Healthcare Observances" tab at the top of our website, https://www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com/resources/healthcare-observances.

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National Alliance for Care at Home responds to the FY 2026 Hospice Proposed Rule

04/15/25 at 02:00 AM

National Alliance for Care at Home responds to the FY 2026 Hospice Proposed Rule National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandira, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 4/11/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) issued the following statement [Fri 4/11] in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Hospice Wage Index proposed rule, which proposes payment and regulatory updates under the Medicare hospice benefit. The proposed 2.4% payment update fails to adequately address the mounting financial pressures facing hospices nationwide. With escalating operational costs driven by inflation, workforce shortages, and rising expenses for supplies and services, the proposed payment increase would threaten the ability of hospices to sustainably provide quality end-of-life care. “The proposed payment update for FY 2026 falls short of what is needed to sustain high-quality hospice care,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the Alliance. “Without meaningful adjustments, hospices across the country will face serious challenges—jeopardizing access to care for terminally ill patients and placing added strain on families already facing the unimaginable. ..."

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Statement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services

04/10/25 at 03:00 AM

Statement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services American Nurses Association (ANA); Press Release; 4/8/25 The American Nurses Association is aware of the recent personnel changes and organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These developments have sparked concerns among nurses nationwide regarding the potential impact on essential programs and services delivered by HHS in collaboration with nurses, patient advocates, and other healthcare providers. ... The association will monitor that re-structured capacity and promptly report any gaps we identify to the Administration and Congress to ensure the needs of nurses, and the public are met by our federal partners. It is imperative that Secretary Kennedy and Administration leaders ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the vital work of these agencies. Federal agencies must have the necessary staff to carry out the public health, research, quality, and operational work that the American people rely on for their health and well-being. [Continue reading ...]

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AGG, New Day’s Bill Dombi: Hospices’ ‘vibrant evolutionary path’ spurs legal growing pains

03/28/25 at 02:15 AM

AGG, New Day’s Bill Dombi: Hospices’ ‘vibrant evolutionary path’ spurs legal growing pains  Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/26/25 Today’s hospice landscape is reaching a pivotal point of evolutionary growth that has come with increased oversight as regulators seek to curb fraudulent activity in the space, according to Bill Dombi, senior counsel for the law firm Arnall Golden Gregory (AGG). ... He previously served as president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) for 38 years prior to its affiliation with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in 2023 and was heavily involved in the establishment of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. ... [Dombi:] "... Hospice has been a very vibrant part of the health care world for quite a while now, but I think its energy levels are at an all-time high right now. And that’s energy levels in terms of not just public awareness and utilization of the services, but also the gained respect of recognizing that hospice is not a cottage industry anymore. Some people might label it as growing pains. I call it more of an evolution that naturally seems to occur in any field and in any organization."  [Continue reading ...]

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CMS will not resume implementation of Hospice SFP in 2025

03/27/25 at 03:00 AM

CMS will not resume implementation of Hospice SFP in 2025 Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/25/25 A federal court has ordered a stay on litigation intended to block the hospice Special Focus Program (SFP) after the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pledged that it would not resume implementation during 2025. The crux of a lawsuit filed by hospice organizations against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the criteria that the agency uses to select hospices for the new Special Focus Program (SFP). [Continue reading ...]

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National Alliance’s Scott Levy: Hospices need ‘regulatory relief’ to protect ‘sacred benefit’

03/25/25 at 02:00 AM

National Alliance’s Scott Levy: Hospices need ‘regulatory relief’ to protect ‘sacred benefit’ Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/21/25 The hospice industry is undergoing a transformative period of rising demand and regulatory changes. Providers of all sizes and types are facing mounting operational challenges and financial strains with limited recourse to voice their collective concerns to legislators. This is according to Scott Levy, chief government affairs officer at National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance). Levy stepped into the role earlier this year after holding a similar position at Amedisys. He has been involved in government relations, public policy, advocacy and law for more than 20 years. Levy recently sat down with Hospice News to discuss the array of regulatory and legislative evolutions on the horizon in hospice care delivery.  .[Continue reading ...]

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HPNA mourns loss of founding member

03/24/25 at 03:00 AM

HPNA mourns loss of founding member Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association; Press Release; 3/21/25 The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) mourns the loss of founding member Madalon O’Rawe Amenta, RN, MN, PhD. Dr. Amenta was inspired to join the hospice movement in the 1970s after having read Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ On Death and Dying. “Dr. Amenta’s unwavering dedication to hospice and palliative care inspired generations of nurses,” said HPNA President Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, FAAN, CHPN®, FPCN®. “We are grateful for her leadership, which allowed us to grow our community to nearly 8,000 hospice and palliative care professionals. Her legacy will be honored through our mission to advance nursing expertise in hospice and palliative care through education, advocacy, leadership, and research.” [Continue reading ...]

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The challenges ahead with Jeanne Chirico, HPCANYS President/CEO

03/20/25 at 02:00 AM

The challenges ahead with Jeanne Chiricohallenges ahead with Jeanne Chirico, HPCANYS President/CEO

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Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report

03/19/25 at 03:00 AM

Alliance Statement on MACPAC Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/18/25 On Thursday, March 13th, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its semi-annual report, which included three chapters and five recommendations. (See analysis from the National Alliance for Care at Home HERE and HERE.) Two recommendations in the MACPAC report concern home and community-based services (HCBS):

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MedPAC’s flawed recommendations would harm patients and increase costs

03/17/25 at 02:00 AM

MedPAC’s flawed recommendations would harm patients and increase costs National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, DC and Washington, DC; Press Release; 3/14/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) released the following statement on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC) March 2025 Report to Congress: Medicare Payment Policy. ... “MedPAC’s recommendations are based on flawed and incomplete analyses with conclusions unsupported by all the available facts. These recommendations severely undervalue the critical role that home health and hospice providers play in ensuring the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Alliance CEO Dr. Steve Landers. “Recommending unthinkable cuts for home health and stagnant payment rates for hospice in the face of workforce shortages and inflation threaten access to these vital services for our aging population and undermine the dedicated providers who support them. ..."

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Malpractice lawsuits are rising — here’s how physicians can protect themselves

03/14/25 at 03:00 AM

Malpractice lawsuits are rising — here’s how physicians can protect themselves Becker's ASC Review; by Patsy Newitt; 3/11/25 Medical malpractice insurance is essential for protecting physicians from financial and legal risks, particularly amid the rise in malpractice lawsuits, according to a March 5 article on Physicians Thrive’s website.  In 2023, malpractice verdicts hit a record high. There were 57 medical malpractice verdicts of $10 million or more, with more than half of those verdicts hitting $25 million.  Here are nine things to know from the Physician’s Thrive article. 

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Alliance Member, Jonathan Fleece, testifies before Congress on the value of care at home

03/13/25 at 03:00 AM

Empath Health CEO to Congress: Invest in home-based care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/11/25The federal government must invest further in home-based care, Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece told lawmakers at a hearing with the U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. leece was among several post-acute care leaders who appeared at the hearing, representing home health, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and other stakeholders. In opening remarks, Fleece pointed to the benefits of home-based care for patients and families, as well as the sector’s ability to reduce health care costs. 

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104-year-old WWII veteran honored for his service while in hospice

03/12/25 at 03:00 AM

104-year-old WWII veteran honored for his service while in hospice WCCO via CNN Newsource, Cottage Grove, MN; by Reg Chapman; 3/9/25 A World War II veteran in Minnesota has the honor of being the oldest resident in his town. Even at his remarkable age, Don Tietz has not lost his wit or his humor. After he was drafted during World War II, Tietz found himself a long way from his hometown farm. Tietz served as a truck driver, hauling ammunition across America’s campaign into Europe. ... “We spearheaded across France,” he said. ... He also faced the true grim realities of war. ... “There was 212, only 12 of us came back,” he said. ... Tietz now represents a different era of grit and perseverance. Surrounded by friends and family, the Allina Health Hospice Team showed their gratitude to Tietz for his service by giving him a heartfelt ceremony, where he was awarded a pin and certificate. Most importantly, Tietz was given an opportunity to reflect on all of those years.Editor's note: Click here for the We Honor Veterans Program developed by NHPCO (now the National Alliance for Care at Home) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Theme 2025

03/03/25 at 03:00 AM

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Theme 2025 ehospice; by the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) team; 2/18/25 Every year the second Saturday of October marks World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD). This year WHPCD will be on Saturday 11 October 2025. Each year the WHPCD campaign has a theme that is carefully thought through and selected by the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) team.  The theme for 2025 is Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care.... More than 60 million people both adults and children need palliative care services every year with over 80% living in low-middle-income countries (LMIC’s) countries. WHPCA has estimated that over half of the need for palliative care is being met in high-income countries while only 4% of the bigger need is met in LMICs, a continuing and shocking disparity.Editor's note: What can you do to help "Achieve the Promise" in your corner of our world? Click here for more information from ehospice/WHPCA.

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The Alliance commends introduction of legislation to extend hospice telehealth flexibilities

03/03/25 at 03:00 AM

The Alliance commends introduction of legislation to extend hospice telehealth flexibilities  National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 2/28/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is pleased to support the reintroduction of the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation, H.R.1720, would extend telehealth flexibilities for hospice face-to-face (F2F) recertification. The F2F encounter is performed by a physician or nurse practitioner to evaluate the patient and collect clinical information used in determining continued eligibility for hospice. Introduced by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jared Golden (D-ME), the bill would extend the F2F recertification flexibility for providers until December 31, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2026, the legislation also includes important guardrails to ensure appropriate use and requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a modifier to collect data on when the F2F encounter is conducted via telehealth. The Alliance, then through its legacy organizations, worked with lawmakers to ensure continued care transformation and access to care for high-quality providers. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]

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Palliative care advocates at the World Health Organization Executive Board Meeting

02/28/25 at 03:00 AM

Palliative care advocates at the World Health Organization executive board meeting ehospice; by Stephen Connor, Executive Director WHPCA; 2/19/25 The World Health Organization (WHO) is in turmoil with the planned withdrawal of funding and membership from the USA. About 20% of the WHO budget is from the US and withdrawal of all USAID funding is causing serious problems worldwide. Many member states are increasing their dues to WHO to help offset this loss, but these are difficult times for public health. These issues were front and center at the meeting of the WHO Executive Board 3-11 February.

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National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025

02/28/25 at 02:00 AM

National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2025U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; by Crystal Peruski; 2/18/25 The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designates March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. To learn more about the Vietnam War Commemoration, visit 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration | Vietnam War Commemoration. Editor's note: Mark your calendars. Engage your volunteers who serve veterans. How might this intersect with your intergenerational employees and volunteers? Note that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. For support specific to hospice and grief care:

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Hospice of the Chesapeake Advanced Cardiac Care Program seeks to reduce hospital visits

02/24/25 at 02:30 AM

Hospice of the Chesapeake Advanced Cardiac Care Program seeks to reduce hospital visits Southern Maryland News Net; Press Release; 2/20/25Hospice of the Chesapeake, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) announces the Advanced Cardiac Care Program to address one of the nation’s largest killers of Americans – heart disease. Each year, more Americans die from heart disease than any other condition, including cancer. Heart disease is also a leading cause of hospitalization: patients with congestive heart failure alone account for more than one million inpatient admissions annually. By offering heart disease patients the right educational resources, we empower them to take control of their health,” Hospice of the Chesapeake Vice President of Medical Affairs & Hospice Medical Director Dr. Sonja Richmond said. “The resources available through the Advanced Cardiac Care Program can help patients and caregivers better manage their condition, reducing the likelihood of hospital visits and improving their quality of life.” ... Carole Fisher, President of NPHI [said,] “Far too many die alone in a hospital or nursing facility, when instead our hospice teams could care for them wherever they reside and they could enjoy a far higher quality of life surrounded by loved ones.”Editor's note: Links to Hospice of the Chesapeake; AHA'sHospice Care" webpage; NPHI's Advanced Cardiac Care.rogram.   

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New ACS research finds low uptake of supportive care at the end-of-life for patients with advanced cancer

02/24/25 at 02:00 AM

New ACS research finds low uptake of supportive care at the end-of-life for patients with advanced cancer EurekAlert! - American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Peer-Reviewed Publication by American Cancer Society; 2/21/25  Despite considerable efforts to improve the quality of end-of-life care in the United States, a new retrospective study led by American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers revealed that close to half of patients with advanced cancer received potentially aggressive care at the end-of-life at the expense of supportive care. The findings are out today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum. ... Study results showed only one-quarter of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer received any palliative care in the last 6 months of life, and those who received it did so mainly in the month of death. Overall, 45% of decedents experienced any indicator of potentially aggressive care. There was an increase in the mean number of acute care visits (from 14.0 to 46.2 per 100 person-months), hospice use (from 6.6 to 73.9 per 100 person-months), palliative care (from 2.6 to 26.1 per 100 person-months), and advanced care planning (from 1.7 to 12.8 per 100 person-months) over the last 6 months of life. ...

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New House resolution would throw out 2025 home health rule

02/18/25 at 03:00 AM

New House resolution would throw out 2025 home health rule McKnights Home Care; by Liza Berger; 2/14/25 Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) on Wednesday introduced a resolution for Congress to disapprove of the 2025 home health payment rule. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Home health providers and advocates have  been pushing for Congress to stop the rule, which gives an aggregate 0.5% bump for home health providers but inflicts a permanent behavioral adjustment of -1.975%. ...  In 2023, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (now the National Alliance for Care at Home) sued the Department of Health and Human Services to block Medicare rate cuts. 

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