09/11/2025

Federal Updates for Home Health, Hospice, and Rural Health Transformation

Congress is considering legislation to protect home health care from significant Medicare payment cuts. The bipartisan Medicare Beneficiary Home Health Access Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5142), introduced September 4, would pause the proposed reductions and allow time to evaluate their impact. LeadingAge has issued an Action Alert urging members to contact their representatives to co-sponsor the legislation. For Ohio’s nonprofit home health providers, this advocacy could help preserve access to care for thousands of older adults.

Hospice providers may also be affected by federal policy discussions. LeadingAge, in coalition with national hospice associations, is calling on Congress to extend telehealth flexibilities for the face-to-face encounter required for recertification of hospice eligibility. Without action, this flexibility could expire, creating unnecessary barriers for patients and families in rural and underserved areas. Learn more about the advocacy effort on the LeadingAge website.

Finally, CMS has released details on the new Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, including the application process and timelines for states. The program is intended to support delivery system reform and expand access to care in rural communities. For Ohio’s rural nonprofit providers, the RHT initiative could offer new opportunities to strengthen services and sustain care delivery models in areas with limited resources.