LeadingAge’s steady advocacy drumbeat on the critical issue of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) fee for service (FFS) payment policy took on particular importance for the FY/CY2023 annual payment rule season. 

Given the breadth of CMS’ proposed cuts in skilled nursing and home health, and the overall lack of appropriate increases in all sectors, LeadingAge kept attention on our members’ needs, both in the media and through a wide array of consistent communications with CMS. Members joined Zoom calls and webinars hosted by LeadingAge, including with invited agency staff; LeadingAge sent advocacy letters and comprehensive rule responses that put our mission-driven and nonprofit members’ financial needs and concerns on decision makers’ radars throughout the annual payment rate updates process for hospice, nursing home, and home health care.

CMS issued on Oct. 31 the final rule for the last of the three settings. Our efforts made an impact. All three final rules reflect an acknowledgement by CMS of the difficult operating environment providers are navigating due to rising inflation and workforce challenges – issues we highlighted in our comments filed to CMS in May,  June, and August 2022. Still, while CMS did blunt, in their final rules, some of their initial Draconian proposals, more support from CMS is needed. We are not letting up. Through our continuing Aging Services Workforce NOW campaign and other activities, we continue to push Congress and the Administration for relief and meaningful actions that will ensure older adults and their families can access critical help and resources.