The 2025 Home Health PPS Proposed Rule will likely include four new Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) topics for quality reporting beginning in 2027.
The proposed rule has not been released, but CMS has published a document online that highlights a draft of five questions around “Health-Related Social Needs” that are expected to be effective Jan. 1, 2027, in the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HHQRP). No other information was available.
The topics include living situation, food, utilities and transportation.
The questions are presented as:
Section R Health-Related Social Needs
R0310. Living Situation
What is your living situation today?
0. I have a steady place to live
1. I have a place to live today, but I am worried about losing it in the future
2. I do not have a steady place to live
7. Patient declines to respond
8. Patient unable to respond
R0320. Food
A. Within the past 12 months, you worried that your food would run out before you got money to buy more.
0. Often true
1. Sometimes true
2. Never true
7. Patient declines to respond
8. Patient unable to respond
B. Within the past 12 months, the food you bought just didn’t last and you didn’t have money to get more.
0. Often true
1. Sometimes true
2. Never true
7. Patient declines to respond
8. Patient unable to respond
R0330. Utilities
In the past 12 months, has the electric, gas, oil, or water company threatened to shut off services in your home?
0. Yes
1. No
2. Already shut off
7. Patient declines to respond
8. Patient unable to respond
R0340. Transportation
In the past 12 months, has lack of reliable transportation kept you from medical appointments, meetings, work or from getting things needed for daily living?
0. Yes
1. No
7. Patient declines to respond
8. Patient unable to respond