CMS issued its final rule for updating Medicare payment policies and rates for home health agencies Nov. 1. Here are five things to know:
- CMS estimates that Medicare payments to agencies in 2024 will increase in the aggregate of 0.8%, or $140 million, from 2023.
- This figure compares with previous projections of a 2.2% decrease.
- CMS is also revising the home health market basket in a number of areas including the labor-related share and the addition of new benefits.
- The final rule also includes a number of hospice provisions including greater oversight of poorly performing hospices.
- For 2024, CMS will adopt a 2021-based home health market basket.
"The actions CMS is taking in this final rule will help improve patient care and also protect the Medicare program's sustainability for future generations," CMS said.
More details on the final rule can be found here.