News & Updates https://www.azhomecare.org/news/default.asp Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:10:23 GMT Thu, 28 May 2026 21:19:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Arizona Association for Home Care Reserve your spot at the AAHC Annual Conference! https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=728295 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=728295 Best Practices, Regulatory Updates and Community Connections

Learn More: azhomcare.org/conference

 

Join with recognized industry experts and your peers to discuss best practices and innovative strategies for improving care delivery and being an effective Leader in the new world of home care at this 2-day conference.  You'll experience interactive sessions and take away actionable insights to achieve success in 2026 and beyond. 

 

This program is designed for owners, administrators and senior clinical and quality leaders in a home health agency or in-home care company.  With unprecedented changes in regulations, reimbursement, expectations and resources, it is crucial that home care leaders are prepared to thrive in a value-based environment. 

 

Take away actionable strategies, tools and connections that enable you to stay ahead and continue to provide the most cost-effective, safe and appropriate care to patients and families.

 

 

 


]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 22:19:00 GMT CMS Unveils Proposed 2028 HCBS Quality Measure Set: What It Means For Home Care Providers https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=727214 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=727214 CMS has released a proposed 2028 Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Set, marking the next phase in federal efforts to standardize how states evaluate Medicaid-funded home care.

While the proposal is directed at
 states — not individual providers — its implications will extend directly to home health agencies across the country.

Providers should pay close attention — and take action. CMS is accepting comments through Thursday, May 28, at 11:59 PM
 ET.

 

 

What’s Being Proposed




CMS is proposing a total of 26 quality measures, including:

 

23 mandatory measures, such as:


  • Choosing the Services That Matter to You Composite

    • 

  • Personal Safety & Respect Composite

    • 

  • Transportation to Medical Appointments Composite
    • 

  • LTSS comprehensive assessment and update

    • 

  • Measures addressing community inclusion, personal safety, person centered planning, and freedom from abuse and neglect

    • 



Why It Matters





This is a critical opportunity for providers, advocates, and other stakeholders to weigh in on feasibility, burden, and alignment with person-centered care goals. Stakeholder input during this short comment period will shape how HCBS quality
 is measured nationwide.




 


Now is the time to review the proposal and submit feedback.



Click Here for Federal Register Notice and Submit a Public Comment

 

 

Learn More


NEWS PROVIDED BY

National Alliance for Care at Home (fka NAHC)
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]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 17:32:00 GMT CMS Announces 6-month Enrollment Moratoria https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=727213 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=727213 AAHC Members: A follow-up article is available here. Login to the Member Resources Library to view additional information about this moratoria including FAQs. Contact the AAHC Office for assistance or submit a Regulatory Question online in the Regulatory Center.

 

CMS Announces Aggressive Nationwide Crackdown on Fraud with Six-Month Hospice and Home Health Agency Enrollment Moratoria

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking decisive action to protect Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars through implementation of a six-month, nationwide data-driven moratoria on new Medicare enrollment for hospices and home health agencies (HHAs).
Read the CMS Press Release here.


The Alliance Responds to CMS’s Announcement of Nationwide Enrollment Moratoria on Hospice and Home Health Providers

The Alliance for Care at Home strongly opposes a nationwide moratorium, and has instead advocated for targeted, tailored program integrity measures to protect beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Fund without restricting access in regions where legitimate provider growth is needed to meet patient demand. [The Alliance] is both concerned and alarmed at CMS's action, given the heightened concentration of fraudulent activity in certain geographic regions, and the lack of nationwide data supporting such an approach. A blanket nationwide moratorium risks penalizing legitimate providers operating in good faith and limiting beneficiary choice, without addressing existing fraudulent actors already operating in these benefits. 

Read the Alliance's Press Release here.]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 17:27:00 GMT AAHC Celebrates National Nurses Week! https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=506410 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=506410 Happy National Nurses Week to all Arizona Home Care Nurses!

The Arizona Association for Home Care (AAHC) recognizes the thousands of nurses providing care at the bedside and behind the scenes in homes and settings across the state!  You make a remarkable difference everyday in Arizona! 

 

We thank you for your unwavering commitment to your patients, colleagues and communities!

 

Do you know an amazing home care nurse? 

  • Share Your Story about a Nurse you would like to celebrate here.
  • If you are an AAHC Member, you may nominate a nurse from your organization for our Home Health Hero Nurse of the Year recognition program.  Learn More

 

 

]]> Wed, 6 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT Nominate a Home Care Hero Today! https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=454173 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=454173 Help Us Recognize Home Care Heroes

This Annual Recognition Program recognizes an outstanding individual that is working in home care care from each of the following categories:  Nurse, Therapist, Social Worker, Aide (LNA/CNA) and in-home Caregiver (non-licensed). 

 

Nominees will be invited to attend the Home Health & Hospice Leader Dinner held in conjunction with the Annual Conference in June.  We will recognize all nominees and announce the Finalist for each discipline at the event.  Finalists will receive a $250 scholarship to be used towards a professional development program of their choice.  

 

Submit a Nomination - Deadline is May 15! 

  • Learn More about this annual statewide recognition program.

 

]]> Fri, 1 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT Interested in Serving on the AAHC Board? https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=715448 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=715448 You already make a make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

Help ensure the future of home care in Arizona by serving on the AAHC Board of Directors.  

   

 

Director nominations are accepted year-round via the Candidate Interest Form (available to members either online* or upon request from the AAHC Office).   

 

Eligibility:  Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria and the membership must be current and remain current throughout the term: 

1) owner or employee of a Provider Member; or,

2) owner or employee of an Associate Member; or,

3) an AAHC Individual Member.

 

Term: 2 years (beginning on January 1st unless appointed to a vacated seat). Eligible for additional terms if re-elected.

 

For more information, visit here or contact the AAHC Executive Director, Marie Fredette by phone 480-491-0540 Option 2 or email.

 

*Member Login required.

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT Congratulations! These 4 Members made Newsweek's Annual List https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724457 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724457 Congratulations to the following AAHC Members included in Newsweek's Annual Ranking of Best Home Health Agencies earlier this year.

 

Listed alphabetically.

Arizona
Home Care 

Member since 2004

Nightingale
Homecare

Member since 2004

Sweetheart Healthcare

Member since 2021

Victory Home Care Agency

Member since 2010

  
azhomecare.com ngcare.comsweethearthealthcare.orgvhcagency.com 

 

As reported by McKnight's, "[Newsweek]... noted that it narrowed down over 10,000 home health agencies into a list of 300 providers, covering 25 states. Done in conjunction with global intelligence firm Statista, the rankings reflect data in four main areas: quality metrics, peer recommendations, patient experience and accreditations."

 

Out of the 300 agencies recognized, 7 are in Arizona - and 4 of the 7 are longtime AAHC Members.

Join us in congratulating this members for their dedication to excellence in home health care! 

Interested in learning more about how membership in AAHC can benefit your agency? Contact AAHC's Executive Director, Marie Fredette email, 480-491-0540 option 2 or visit this page.

 

 

 

 

]]> Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT HHS Issues Final Rule on Health Care Claims Attachment Standards https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724334 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724334 On March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Secretary issued a final rule, titled ‘Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures.’

 

This final rule establishes for the first time HIPAA-adopted standards for health care claims attachments transactions. The rule mandates the electronic exchange of clinical and administrative documentation to support claims-related processes, replacing fax and other manual methods. The rule also adopts a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with health care claims attachments transactions. The rule applies to all HIPAA-covered entities, including health plans, health care providers, and clearinghouses that conduct electronic transactions. The final rule is effective May 26, 2026, and compliance is required by May 26, 2028.

 

IMPACT

For providers delivering care in the home, this rule directly affects claims-related workflows involving the submission of supporting clinical documentation to health plans. Organizations currently relying on fax, mail, or portal uploads to transmit documentation in support of claims will need to transition to the newly adopted electronic standards by May 26, 2028.

Learn More


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]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:43:00 GMT CMS Updates Key Beneficiary Notices for Home Health and Hospice https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724329 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=724329 CMS announced the long-anticipated updates to several Medicare beneficiary notices through this week’s MLN Connects newsletter,
 with additional details available on the Beneficiary Notices Initiative (BNI) webpage. These update
 impact providers in home health and hospice and include important compliance timelines.

 


Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN): Updated Form

 


CMS has released an updated ABN (Form CMS-R-131),
 used when a provider expects Medicare may deny payment and the beneficiary could be financially responsible. This form applies broadly to providers, including home health agencies, hospices, physicians, and suppliers. This form is used to transfer
 potential financial liability to the beneficiary when services may not be covered.

 

Updated Timeline:

  • 

Effective: March 2026

  • Mandatory use by: May 12, 2026
  • Expiration: March 31, 2029



Read the Article


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]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:20:00 GMT CLIA Completed it's Transition to a Paperless System https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721764 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721764 The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program, managed by CMS, officially completed its transition to a fully paperless system on March 1, 2026.

 

CMS no longer mails CLIA certificates or paper fee coupons. Additionally, all CLIA
 certification and survey fees must be paid online (payments by paper check are no longer accepted).

 

If you’ve already made the switch to paperless, we thank you. No further action is required.


 

Laboratories must have a valid email address on file to get electronic CLIA certificates, fee coupons, and other CMS communications. Without a valid email address, you may experience billing or certification issues. Note: This doesn’t apply to CLIA-exempt
 states or state licensure.


 

Need help?

 

Contact your State Agency or
 Accreditation Organization (for accredited laboratories).

Refer to the FAQs about the Transition to Paperless,
 which provide key information to support your laboratory following the transition. 

Visit the CLIA website for more information.

]]> Sat, 7 Mar 2026 00:23:00 GMT CMS Releases 2025 CERT Rate Report https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721476 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721476 2025 Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Report (CERT), providing a detailed analysis of improper payments throughout the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) program. For the 2025 reporting period, the overall improper payment rate decreased to 6.55% from 7.66% in the previous year — the lowest rate recorded since 2021. This improvement reflects intensified oversight efforts aimed at reducing unnecessary spending across the Medicare program.

 

Findings

CMS found that for the 2025 reporting period, the primary drivers of Medicare FFS improper payments are skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), hospital outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and hospice. 

Hospice improper claims, including both non-hospital based and hospital-based, account for 5.9% of overall improper payments. The predominant root cause for hospice errors was “Medical Necessity,” with 23 sampled claims showing that documentation did not meet accuracy requirements that support medical necessity for the services or items billed. 

For home health the error pattern closely mirrors that of hospice, with “Insufficient Documentation” and “Medical Necessity” being the dominant error categories. Notably, home health only represents 3.6% of overall improper payments. Together, home health and hospice account for 9.8% of the overall Medicare FFS improper payments.

 

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]]> Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:34:00 GMT AHCCCS EVV Electronic Visit Verification https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721457 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=721457 This announcement is directed to EVV Vendors and Provider Agencies. 

Differential Adjusted Payment Opportunity for all EVV Participating Providers 

AHCCCS is offering a Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) opportunity
 for EVV participating providers if they meet certain performance metrics outlined in the DAP notice related to auto-verified visits. If the metric threshold is met and maintained throughout Contract Year 2027 (CYE 2027), the providers will qualify
 for a specific percentage increase on all services in CYE 2027 which will be effective for dates of service beginning October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.  




EVV Training Recording Now Available: Auto vs. Manual Visits and Live-in Caregiver Compliance




A recording of the EVV Compliance Training held on February 12, 2026, has been posted to the EVV webpage and covers more specifics regarding criteria
 for the DAP in addition to definitions of auto-verified versus manually-verified visits.   




Providers may use the Visit Verification Summary report in the Aggregator to view the percentage of auto-verified visits.  Note: Last week we fixed an issue with the report query that some of you may have noticed.  The data was/is correct, but the report logic
 needed to be updated. 

Providers may sign up to receive DAP notices on the DAP webpage.

News Courtesy of Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

]]> Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:57:00 GMT Telehealth Update https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719343 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719343 Update from The Alliance for Care at Home:

 

"As of January 30, Congress is close to finalizing an agreement to continue funding the government. However, inking the deal will not happen in time to completely avoid a shutdown. Therefore, the telehealth flexibilities will end tonight. It is likely the shutdown will be short-lived, with House members anticipated to return next week for a vote. As we previously recommended, we encourage you to inform your home health agencies and hospice members to prepare for the telehealth flexibilities to end on January 30. While it is anticipated that there would be a retroactive approval of the telehealth flexibilities that covers the anticipated short shutdown period, it is not guaranteed." 

Ensure you are covered for both Federal (Medicare) and State (Arizona) news, updates and regulation advocacy - join both AAHC and The Alliance.

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:45:00 GMT OIG Issues Advisory Opinion on Medicaid Recruitment Bonuses https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719131 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719131 The Office of Inspector General released an advisory opinion (dated January 5th) regarding the allowability of marketing sign-on bonuses to prospective employees of a home care agency. Importantly, one of the facts underlying the opinion is that the clients of the prospective employees would, “most often would be family members.” Specifically, at issue is the offering of a sign-on bonus to prospective employees who are commonly family members of Medicaid beneficiaries, which could influence the selection of a home care agency for Medicaid-reimbursable services.  As a result of this relationship, OIG’s opinion concludes that this type of sign-on bonus would violate both anti-kickback and beneficiary inducement statutes and could trigger sanctions under each law.


The advisory opinion is available here.

 

Read the Article


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]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:09:00 GMT New and Updated Resources Available for the Expanded HHVBP Model https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719130 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=719130 On January 21, CMS announced that new and updated resources are now available on the Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model Webpage. The announcement included the following:

 

New Resources
Updated Resources

 

Performance Year Results

CMS has also posted results from the second performance year of the expanded HHVBP Model (CY 2024) in the Provider Data Catalog (PDC).

 

Read this Article


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National Alliance for Care at Home (fka NAHC)
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]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:49:00 GMT Alliance Responds to MedPAC Vote on Home Health and Hospice Payment Recommendations https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718578 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718578 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is alarmed by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC) most recent vote to approve draft recommendations that would significantly reduce home health payment rates by 7% for calendar year 2027 and eliminate payment updates for hospice care in fiscal year 2027.

“MedPAC’s dangerous and misguided recommendations to reduce the Medicare home health base payment rate by 7% for CY 2027 and eliminate the update to the 2026 Medicare base payment rate for hospice do not reflect both home health and hospice agencies’ operating realities as well as the cumulative impact of recent policy changes. For home health agencies, any cut – let alone one of such great magnitude – will threaten the ability to meet individuals’ healthcare needs. Yet again, the Commission is failing to understand the operating reality providers face and the potential patient harm that any further payment cuts pose,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO for the Alliance.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:13:00 GMT CMS Launches Online Provider Complaint Form for Medicare Advantage Plans https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718577 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718577 CMS has launched a new online provider complaint form for reporting issues with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. According to a CMS memo, this form is intended to streamline how provider complaints are submitted and routed within CMS.

 

Under this process, providers who wish to submit a complaint about an MA plan can do so directly through an online form. Once submitted, complaints will be transmitted into CMS’s Health Plan Management System (HPMS) Complaints Tracking Module (CTM), where CMS will review them before assigning a contract number. This process now shifts initial review of complaints submitted by providers to CMS, rather than routing complaints directly to plans.

 

The Provider Complaints Form can be accessed here.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:07:00 GMT Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model (HHVBP) Updates https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718575 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718575 In October of 2025, CMS finalized the Interim Performance Reports (IPRs), and they are now available in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). 

 

The reports reflect performance using the CY 2025 HHVBP measure set and are available to HHAs that were Medicare certified in 2023 or earlier and meet the minimum data threshold for at least one quality measure during the performance year. The measure set includes:

  • OASIS-based measures (Dyspnea, Oral Medications, DC Function)
  • Claims-based measures (DTC-PAC, PPH)
  • HHCAHPS survey-based measures (Professional Care, Communication, Team Discussion, Overall Rating, Willingness to Recommend)

Important Note from CMS: 

Due to a calculation error in the CY 2024 OASIS-based Discharge Function (DC Function) measure values reported in the July 2025 IPRs, CMS corrected improvement thresholds for HHAs with improvement thresholds based on CY 2024 data as reported in the October 2025 IPRs. HHAs with improvement thresholds based on CY 2023 data were not impacted by this correction as CY 2023 measure values were calculated correctly. 

 

For additional information, including detailed instructions on accessing your reports and cohort assignment details, please visit the Expanded HHVBP Model webpage or contact the HHVBP Model Help Desk at HHVBPquestions@cms.hhs.gov.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:56:00 GMT Home Health Preview Reports Now Available https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718573 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718573 Home Health Agency (HHA) Provider Preview Reports for the April 2026 quality data refresh are now accessible in iQIES. The reports include data from multiple time periods:

  • Quality assessment data: Q3 2024 – Q2 2025
  • Claims-based measures: Various periods from Q1 2022 – Q4 2024 depending on the measure
  • HHCAHPS measures: Q4 2024 – Q3 2025

Providers have until February 9, 2026, to review their data. Assessment data corrections made before this deadline will be reflected in the April Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) refresh. Updates submitted after February 9 will only appear in internal Facility-Level and Patient-Level QM reports. Note: The COVID-19 Vaccine measure is no longer included in these reports. Providers who believe their scores are inaccurate can request a CMS review on or before February 9.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:50:00 GMT CMS Announces LEAD Model to Broaden ACO Participation and Serve High-Needs Patients https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718572 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718572 The CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) has announced a new voluntary model, the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, aimed at broadening participation in accountable care and improving coordinated care for high-need Medicare patients. The model will begin on January 1, 2027 after the current ACO REACH model concludes, and will run for a 10-year performance period through 2036.

 

CMMI indicates that the LEAD Model is being implemented to address barriers that have kept certain providers from joining or staying in ACOs under earlier models. Specifically, LEAD is intended to increase the scope of ACOs by including more providers and community health centers, enhance evidence-based prevention and care coordination, and empower patients to be more directly involved in their care delivery.

 

CMS anticipates that LEAD Participant Providers will include:

  • Current ACO REACH Model participants and other ACOs.
  • Current Medicare FFS care providers that have historically not participated in ACOs.
  • Health care providers serving underserved populations, such as those with a high proportion of dually eligible individuals,
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers, and Rural Health Clinics.

 

Additional details will be outlined in the forthcoming RFA. See the CMS LEAD Model webpage for additional information. The Alliance will continue monitoring this model for any developments and implications for Alliance members.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:37:00 GMT Telehealth Update https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718571 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=718571 As of January 15, 2026, there remains no consensus in Congress on how or how long to extend telehealth flexibilities, which expire at the end of the month. While a partial shutdown, including a lapse in telehealth flexibilities, remains a possibility, the situation appears better than last fall. 

 

Until an agreement is reached and enacted, the Alliance continues to recommend that home health agencies and hospices prepare for the telehealth flexibilities to end on January 30.

 

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]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:31:00 GMT Introduction of the Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716612 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716612 On December 10, 2025, Congressman Rulli (R-OH-6), Congressmen Stanton (D-AZ-4), and Pappas (D-NH-1) announced the introduction of the Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025, aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of skilled nursing care under Medicaid. This House bill complements Senate Bill 1920, introduced earlier this year by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). 

The Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025 was developed with input from the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) and the Alliance, leading national organizations representing skilled and in-home care providers. The legislation modernizes outdated Medicaid policies, improves oversight, and establishes consistent quality standards to ensure families who rely on continuous skilled nursing services can access the care they need in their homes.

 

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]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:28:00 GMT MedPAC Holds December Meetings https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716611 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716611 On December 4-5, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) held its public meetings covering a range of topics, including, among other things, post-acute care trends, payment adequacy, broader Medicare payment policy, and a congressionally mandated report on the home health Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). Discussions addressed access to care, quality, and the growing influence of Medicare Advantage (MA) on provider behavior and patient experience.  MedPAC meeting slides along with a transcript are publicly accessible on MedPAC’s webpage.

 

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]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:24:00 GMT CMS Issues New State Guidance on Transformative Medicaid Reforms https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716610 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716610 On December 8, 2025, CMS provided additional guidance outlining how states should implement landmark community engagement requirements created by HR1, the 2025 Reconciliation legislation (Public Law 119-21). Per CMS, the reforms aim to connect able-bodied, working-age adults with work and community engagement opportunities, reduce improper enrollment, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In the guidance, the Trump administration, through CMS, reiterates its support for the new requirements and its commitment to implementation.

Although the nature of the guidance does not allow for new policies to be issued, there are clarifications that provide important information regarding the direction that CMS intends to take with the legislation.

Click Here for the notable takeaways.

 


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]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:18:00 GMT Home Health Value Based Purchasing Update https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716609 https://www.azhomecare.org/news/news.asp?id=716609 The December 2025 HHVBP Model Newsletter was recently released. This newsletter contains information for home health agencies related to the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model. The most recent issue includes updates and reminders on the following:

  • Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) – Preliminary October 2025 IPRs Available in iQIES
  • Annual Performance Reports (APR) – Final CY 2025 APRs Available in iQIES
  • Reminder: CMS Wants to Hear from You – Call for InformationCY 2026 HH PPS Final Rule is Now Available  
  • Help Desk Highlights
  • Resource Spotlight – HHVBP Model Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, Web-based Training on CY 2026 Measure Set

The information on the CY 2026 applicable measure set, including the associated web-based training, may be of special interest to home health agencies this month.

 


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]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:12:00 GMT