Home Care Advocates See Opening After Democrats Win Congress
Home Health Care News reports that advocates for the home-based care industry say Democrats' midterm takeover of both chambers of Congress could shift legislative priorities toward home care affordability, Medicaid, and home- and community-based services. HCAOA's Jason Lee and Eric Reinarman point to a Senate Finance Committee Democrats' October request for information on home care and long-term care, which discussed topics including a Medicare home care benefit and the Medicaid access rule's 80/20 provision, as a likely blueprint for the new majority's agenda. The Alliance's Denis Fleming Jr. says Congress may be more willing to press CMS on payment cuts or pursue legislative fixes, but notes Medicaid rates are set at the state level so state capitals remain important. Advocates from LeadingAge and the Alliance say program integrity oversight of Medicaid and Medicare home-based care is likely to remain a priority, with providers urging that enforcement stay targeted.