Congress Proposes Expanding Medicare to Allow Home Health Care Based on Occupational Therapy Needs
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
This bill would expand Medicare home health eligibility by making occupational therapy a standalone qualifying service. Currently, patients must first need skilled nursing, physical therapy, or speech therapy before Medicare covers home health care — even if their primary need is occupational therapy. This change means seniors who mainly struggle with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking could directly qualify for home health services, closing a long-standing coverage gap. The impact is limited to the subset of Medicare beneficiaries who need home-based occupational therapy but don't currently qualify under existing rules.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act
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