July 26, 2022 Washington, DC — A statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including home health:

“As more older adults and families seek care and services in their homes, legislation like S. 4605, The Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022, is what our country needs to ensure quality home health care is available to everyone who wants it. 

LeadingAge is especially heartened to see a freeze in payment rates until 2026, which is absolutely critical. The 7.69% reduction laid out in the recent CMS proposed rule, totaling $1.33 billion in 2023 alone, could set home health care access back a decade or more. This bill wisely pushes off cuts that would protect vital home health services for vulnerable and underserved populations, and gives CMS more time to reconsider the devastating impacts of their proposed rule.

We urge Congress to pass this legislation and give nonprofit and mission-driven providers the support they need to continue their vital work caring for our older Americans with dignity and respect.” 

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership, which now includes the providers of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, encompasses the continuum of services for people as they age, including those with disabilities. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.