CMS Issues Final Home Health PPS Rule for 2012
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) regulation for calendar year (CY) 2012. CMS is updating home health PPS rates for home health agencies effective January 1, 2012. Payments are estimated to decrease by approximately 2.31% or $430 million in CY 2012. CMS provided further clarification of the occupational therapy policy regarding when occupational therapy would be considered a dependent service versus when it would be considered a qualifying service under the Medicare home health benefit.
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on November 4, 2011. AOTA is currently analyzing the implications of the Home Health PPS final rule. Check back soon for further details.
CMS Press Release: CMS Finalizes 2012 Medicare Home Health Payment Changes
