(Alexandria, VA, and Washington, DC) – The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance), joined by more than 150 patient, provider, community, and advocacy organizations, sent a letter urging congressional leaders to take action to prevent the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from finalizing the proposed 9% cut to the home health payment rate for 2026.
Addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the letter expresses widespread concern that the proposed $1 billion payment reduction to Medicare’s home health benefit will jeopardize care at home and strain the wider healthcare system.
“The proposed payment reductions for home health pose a serious threat to the health and safety of Medicare beneficiaries and to the broader integrity of our healthcare system. With the 2026 payment rule under review and due by November 1, we urge you to promptly intervene and press CMS to stop the cuts and realign payments,” the letter read.
The letter highlights that this year’s proposed cut compounds years of consecutive payment reductions that have destabilized Medicare’s home health program, forced agencies to downsize or close service areas, and limited care options for beneficiaries and their families.
“CMS’ actions continue to undermine access for millions of older adults and people with disabilities, forcing taxpayers to bear higher costs associated with increased hospitalizations and facility-based care, and putting the Medicare Trust Fund at risk,” the letter continues.
“The cuts currently proposed to Medicare’s home health benefit are unsustainable and would be deeply harmful to those who depend on care at home,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the Alliance. “The Alliance will continue to work with policymakers and our stakeholder allies to oppose these harmful cuts and protect access to home health services for millions of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families.”
Read the full letter.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
Press Contact
communications@allianceforcareathome.org
Elyssa Katz | 571-281-0220