CMS on Friday released an advance copy of the proposed regulation for changes to the home health PPS rates for calendar year 2013.
Brief highlights:
• The proposal increases the national base episodic rate by 0.16%, from $2,138.52 to $2,141.95. (calculated using a 2.5 percent inflation update, a 1 point reduction mandated by the health care reform law, and a 1.32 percent case mix creep adjustment.)
• The portion of the rate adjusted by the wage index is increased from .77082 to .78535
• The county wage index is available here (click on the “download” at the bottom of the page).:
Here are changes for MA counties:
Current 2013
Barnstable 1.2838 1.2872
Boston 1.2283 1.2394
Middlesex 1.1210 1.1285
Essex 1.0698 1.0575
erkshire 1.0616 1.0745
Bristol 1.0639 1.0718
Springfield 1.0247 1.0390
Worcester 1.1076 1.1230
Dukes/Nantucket 1.3962 1.3570
The proposed rule also:
- allows certain non-physician practitioners in inpatient settings to conduct the required Face-to-face encounter;
- increases flexibility in complying with the therapy reassessment requirements;
- establishes hospice quality reporting requirements to begin in 2014, including various proposed measures to report;
- creates an Informal Dispute Resolution process that agencies can use to dispute survey deficiencies;
- establishes a range of “Intermediate Sanctions” for non-compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation, including civil money penalties, suspension of payment for new admissions, and temporary management.
The Alliance will conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed rule and prepare comments. Watch for additional details in the next few weeks.
Comments are due by Sept. 4.
Think Home Care Blog 