Federal Policy
AHA Opposes CMS Home Health Payment Update and Enrollment Changes in CY 2027 Proposed Rule
The American Hospital Association submitted comments August 28, 2026 opposing CMS's proposed 2.4% payment update for home health services in calendar year 2027, calling it inadequate, and urging suspension of behavioral adjustments tied to the patient-driven grouping model. The proposed rule also includes Medicare provider enrollment changes affecting all Medicare-enrolled providers and suppliers. AHA warned the enrollment provisions would create significant reporting burdens and risk compliant providers' enrollment status. Comments urged CMS to finalize only narrowly tailored enrollment policies with objective standards and procedural safeguards protecting providers and beneficiary access.
Why it mattersMedicare provider enrollment changes could affect Medicaid-enrolled providers who also participate in Medicare, particularly home health agencies serving dual eligibles, potentially complicating enrollment processes and affecting network adequacy for managed care plans serving this population.