Here is a list of things to think about as the Supreme Court ruling on health care reform approaches. Anything you want to know about that we didn't mention? Let me know at tirgang@decisionhealth.com.

Possible home health effects of health care reform ruling

If the law is completely or partially struck down, what will happen to...

  • Rebasing
  • The face-to-face encounter requirement (home health and hospice)
  • Other payment adjustments, such as the 1% annual payment update reductions
  • The requirement for referring physicians to be enrolled in PECOS
  • The expansion of Medicaid eligibility
  • Accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other care transition demonstrations
  • The requirement to offer insurance to employees
  • Screening rules and risk levels for Medicare reenrollment
  • Requirement to report overpayments within 60 days
  • Mandatory compliance plans
  • The requirement to file claims timely (i.e. within 12 months)
  • Hospital readmission penalties (1% reduction starting Oct. 1, escalating to 2%, 3%, etc. in following years)
  • The Independent Payment Advisory Board, which would make binding recommendations to Congress on Medicare payments.


Editor's note: For immediate information on the impact of the ruling, stay tuned to www.homehealthline.com. Also attend our chat with home health attorney Bob Markette at 1:30pm ET on Friday June 29 here. Get his take on the ruling's impact on home health and put your questions.