The Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model has been in effect since 2016 for nine select states. As expected, the proposed home health final rule for CY 2022 has made plans to expand the model to all 50 states, territories, and District of Columbia next year. This program will be applicable to Medicare-certified home health agencies…
The Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model has been in effect since 2016 for nine select states. As expected, the proposed home health final rule for CY 2022 has made plans to expand the model to all 50 states, territories, and District of Columbia next year. This program will be applicable to Medicare-certified home health agencies who provide skilled care for Medicare beneficiaries. Agencies will compete against “like-sized” agencies nationwide in specific quality measures and components to receive, all, part or none, of a maximum payment adjustment–up or down—of 5%. The data will be extracted from paid claims, OASIS-based information, and HHCAHPS surveys of complete episodes of care within a full calendar year. The results of each agency’s performance will be publicly reported similar to star ratings on the Care Compare website. Experts believe, at this time, the model will be finalized this Fall. The model program has saved Medicare millions of dollars as a result of decreased acute care hospitalizations and skilled nursing facility stays as agencies in the nine Model States decreased usage of these facilities. It stands to reason, the program will expand sooner than later. Agencies need to begin to prepare their staff members for the possibility of this program beginning January 1, 2022.
