Ellen Strunk, PT, MS, GCS, ACEEAA, CHC, RAC-CT covers key highlights of the 2026 Medicare Home Health Proposed Rule. Major topics include a proposed 6.4% reduction in Medicare fee-for-service payments, eased face-to-face documentation requirements, and changes to the Home Health CAHPS survey, including fewer and more relevant questions to reduce respondent burden. Additional updates include the removal of OASIS items, changes to DME competitive bidding, and significant enhancements to the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model—particularly expanding the role of functional improvement metrics like dressing and bathing. Ellen emphasized the importance of therapist advocacy, especially in opposing rate cuts and supporting meaningful policy improvements. Listeners are encouraged to submit feedback during the 60-day comment period to influence the final rule expected later in 2025.
