The 2025 home health final rule could be released at any time after clearing the last hurdle before publication in the Federal Register.
 
The rule had officially left the “under review” list at the Office of Management and Budget as of Tuesday, Oct. 29. It’s likely to be released publicly sometime this week.  
 
In June, CMS proposed a 1.7% cut to the national standardized 30-day period payment rate in 2025. That includes a permanent 3.6% cut due to PDGM behavior adjustments, wiping out a proposed payment increase meant to address rising costs. 
 
There may be a slight adjustment to account for updated data since the spring — the hospice payment rate for 2025 was adjusted up 0.3% in the final rule released in July.
 
There are also new items expected for the OASIS in 2027; an update for the Conditions of Participation (CoPs); and the regular shake up in PDGM case-mix weights, comorbidity adjustments and functional points.
 
Home Health Line subscribers can read more of our final rule preview at https://tinyurl.com/2r6jjppe.
 
CMS has scheduled an Open Door Forum for home health, hospice and durable medical equipment providers on June 6. You can register at https://cms.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_vfsU5LSKR3atiW9T_AhrDg#/registration.