AHA recommends changes to home health payments, provider enrollment provisions in CY 2027 proposed rule

The AHA provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 28 on its calendar year 2027 home health prospective payment system proposed rule, focusing on two specific concerns. The AHA said CMS' proposed payment update of 2.4% is inadequate and that CMS should suspend further behavioral adjustments related to the implementation of the patient-driven grouping model. The proposed rule also includes changes to Medicare provider enrollment authorities that would apply to all providers and suppliers enrolled in Medicare. The AHA expressed concerns that many of the proposed changes would impose significant reporting burdens and place the Medicare enrollment status of compliant providers at risk. The AHA urged CMS to finalize only enrollment policies that are narrowly tailored, supported by objective standards, and accompanied by procedural safeguards that protect good faith providers and preserve beneficiary access to care.