HOME HEALTH: PPS Update Not Yet Set For HHAs

Why This Topic Matters

Home health agencies needed to understand both the newly issued payment update and the risk that federal budget decisions could change it. The article also highlights cost pressures and rate-setting issues that affect planning, revenue expectations, and Medicare payment policy interpretation.

Article Sections

1. 2006 Medicare home health payment update

   This section discusses the newly issued Medicare home health payment update for HHAs and the general financial impact on providers. It places the update in the context of prior-year rates and overall reimbursement changes.

2. Congress still deliberating

   This section addresses the possibility that congressional budget actions could affect the announced payment update. It summarizes the policy uncertainty and related federal budget context.

3. Fuel Costs an issue for providers

   This section focuses on provider concerns about inflation and operating-cost pressures, especially transportation-related expenses. It also discusses CMS' general approach to inflation measurement in the payment update process.