June 26, 2024 Washington, DC —  From Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services on the CY2025 Home Health Proposed Payment Rule released today:

As the only association that represents providers across multiple aging services care settings, we take a holistic view of proposed rules. Payment decreases, including this proposed 1.7% cut to home health providers, jeopardize older adults’ and families’ ability to access needed care and services. Put today’s action from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) into context: registered nurses (RNs) are a core component of home health care. Our mission-driven and nonprofit members battle daily in a very competitive labor market to recruit and retain RNs, which are in short supply. Coupled with the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing rule’s nurse-onsite 24/7 component, already stiff competition for RNs will only grow. A payment decrease presents real challenges for our members. Without staff, there is no care; ultimately, older adults and families will suffer. The lack of consideration for the full care continuum and current demand for RNS is one example of how the Biden Administration’s payment approach is simply at odds with its rhetoric in support of aging services and long term care.