CMS Removes HHGM Proposal from Final 2018 Rule

Submitted by David Totaro, Chief Government Affairs Officer (GAO)

Our voices were heard. Thank you and high five to all of our BAYADA office and field employees who recently took action to voice concern about the federal Home Health Groupings Model (HHGM) proposal, which would have resulted in revenue reductions between 4.3% and 17% for BAYADA’s Home Health Specialty Practice. Such significant reductions would have impacted not only Home Health, but BAYADA as a whole.

Yesterday afternoon, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) formally indicated that 2018’s Payment Rule does not include the HHGM proposal. CMS indicated that it could not finalize the HHGM proposal at this time based on the comments received on the issue.

BAYADA employees sent more than 3,000 messages to members of Congress urging representatives and senators to take a stand against HHGM. BAYADA joined industry-wide action led by an unprecedented coordinated effort by the Partnership for Quality Home Health Care, Elevating Home and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). This effort spurred 50 US senators and 179 US representatives to reach out to CMS and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to caution against finalizing HHGM. Through BAYADA’s action on this issue and previous calls to action, BAYADA has shown itself to be one of the strongest advocacy teams in our industry.

While delaying the HHGM proposal does not indicate a permanent withdrawal, it is a clear victory for the home health and home care communities that took immediate action to stop the rule from becoming final. BAYADA and other industry stakeholders will continue to work with CMS to improve the payment model, including participating in discussions with the Congressional Committee on Ways and Means to finalize a potential legislative proposal.

Thank you for your reliability and your dedication to advocating on behalf of our staff and clients.