The MedPAC Commissioners just reviewed the state of affairs for Medicare payments for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Home Health agencies. The final recommendations for both were to propose Congress reduce Medicare rates for SNF and HHAs by 5% each. Keep in mind, MedPAC serves an advisory function. This action today does not mean that a reduction in rates will occur. To reduce rates, either Congress would need to reduce rates via legislation or CMS would need to update Medicare rates through the rulemaking process. LeadingAge national is closely following and advocating on this issue.
