From the latest on the Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics Orthotics and Supplies Competitive Bidding changes, to the Patient-Driven Groupings Model, to legislation affecting how providers do business, HomeCare is here to keep you informed. Find news and articles from our experts to guide you as you navigate the policies that affect your business.

ATA, ATA Action Call for Telehealth Bipartisan Support
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) & its trade organization, ATA Action, urge Congress for continue bipartisan support of telehealth extensions before the year ends

WASHINGTON—The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), a telehealth organization, and ATA Action, the company’s affiliated trade organization, have urged Congress to extend access to necessary virtual care services in a year-end legislative package. With many telehealth flexibilities set to expire at the end of the Congressional year, the company aims to gain the support of Congress members. 

ITEM Coalition Asks Congress to Include 75-25 Relief in Year-End Legislation
The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition urges Congress to include the 75-25 blended rate in any legislative packages that move before the year’s end

WASHINGTON—The Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, a patient and disability advocacy group, has sent a letter to Congress urging Congressional leadership to include the 75-25 blended relief rate in its year-end legislative package, the American Associaton for Homecare (AAHomecare) wrote in a recent e-newsletter to members.

Bill Introduced to Increase Access to Advanced Wheelchairs
Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Tammy Duckworth comment on the bill they co-introduced along with support from the industry

NASHVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (S 5154) to increase access to wheelchairs made with advanced materials by allowing Medicare beneficiaries to upgrade to lighter, more functional wheelchairs without bearing the entire upfront cost.

Representatives Urge CMS to Restore 75/25 Blended Rate for DME
House Representatives Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Tonko (D-NY) & Feenstra (R-IA) have sent a sign-on letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services aiming to reestablish the DME 75/25 blended rate

WASHINGTON—House Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) are asking colleagues in the House to join a sign-on letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that aims to reestablish the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for durable medical equipment (

Michigan Bill Allows Homecare Workers to Unionize
Senate passed bills 790 & 791, which restores homecare worker rights to form unions

LANSING, Michigan—Homecare workers in Michigan achieved a new victory in fighting for their rights, as the House of Representatives voted “yes” on Senate Bills 790 and 791, which will improve homecare jobs and services in the state.

Senate Bills 790 and 791 improve the working conditions and rights of homecare workers in Michigan. These bills will:

Senators King, Casey Introduce Homecare Workforce Legislative Bills
The three new bills address the need to support caregivers & direct support professionals

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Penn), chair of the Senate Committee on Aging, have introduced three bills to better support direct support professionals (DSPs), the workforce responsible for providing homecare and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities who frequently rely on long-term service and support.

Legislation Introduced to Overhaul Medicare Hospice Benefit
Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s Hospice CARE Act legislation would update hospice benefits & payment structures

WASHINGTON—Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement Act (Hospice CARE Act) in an effort to modernize Medicare’s hospice benefit, which has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1982. 

CRT Wheelchair Upgrade Legislation Introduced in Senate
S 5154 is a key bill for Medicare wheelchair accessibility

WASHINGTON—Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation that would improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries. The new bill, S 5154, would create two new HCPCS codes for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs and allow for an upgrade within a code.


PACE Anytime Act Makes it Easier to Enroll, Access PACE Programs
The PACE program provides thousands of lower-income seniors & people with disabilities with comprehensive care

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the bipartisan PACE Anytime Act. The bill will expand access to the PACE program, which provides thousands of lower-income seniors and people with disabilities with comprehensive care. 

The Supreme Court Just Limited Federal Power, Health Care Is Feeling the Shockwaves
A landmark Supreme Court decision that reins in federal agencies’ authority is expected to hold dramatic consequences for the nation’s health care system

A landmark Supreme Court decision that reins in federal agencies’ authority is expected to hold dramatic consequences for the nation’s health care system, calling into question government rules on anything from consumer protections for patients to drug safety to nursing home care.

GAO Report Finds Millions of Seniors Are Not Getting the Homecare They Need
Four out of five seniors who needed a home delivered or congregate meal in 2021 did not receive one

WASHINGTON—According to a new report on the unmet needs of seniors across the United States, four out of five seniors who needed a home-delivered or congregate meal in 2021 did not receive one; and over 3.6 million, or 18%, of low-income older adults were food insecure.

Act Resolution Introduced Against CMS Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer is cosponsoring a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval against the final rule issued by CMS

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule in April, imposing minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (LTC), which provide care to nearly

Maryland CarePatrol Franchisee Leads Charge for Safer Senior Care Standards With Senate Bill 952
Baltimore’s Paula Sotir successfully advocates for regulated oversight to enhance the quality of care for seniors

TROY, Michigan—CarePatrol, a senior care solutions organization, recently announced a significant victory for the senior care industry as Maryland franchisee Paula Sotir worked with other senior

LeadingAge Comments on Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act Mark Up
HR 8244 would allow nursing facilities to continue training CNAs even if they received a fine above the threshold limit

WASHINGTON—Following the mark up of the revised Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Act (HR 8244) by the House Ways and Means Committee on May 8, Katie Smith Sloat, president and CEO of LeadingAge released the following statement.

Ways & Means Seeks to Strengthen Telehealth, Rural Health Care Access
The package of bills addresses issues affecting patients by preserving & improving vital telehealth & health-at-home access, advancing solutions to prevent rural hospital closures

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Recently introduced legislation from Ways and Means Committee members aims at improving access to health care in America, particularly in rural and underserved areas.