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Congress·In Committee·12 months ago

Congress Proposes Expanding Medicare to Allow Home Health Care Based on Occupational Therapy Needs

Also known as: Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill would change Medicare rules so that people can qualify for home health care if they specifically need occupational therapy. Currently, patients usually must need physical therapy, speech therapy, or nursing care first before they can get any other help at home.
  • Occupational therapy helps people learn how to do daily tasks like getting dressed, bathing, or cooking after an injury or illness. By making this a primary reason for home health, more seniors could get the specific help they need to stay safe and independent in their own houses.
  • If this becomes law, the new rules would start on January 1, 2026. This change aims to fix a gap in coverage that sometimes prevents patients from getting home care if their main struggle is with daily living activities rather than walking or medical treatments.
Healthcare

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 10, 2025House

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.

Mar 10, 2025

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act

Bill NumberHR 2013
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(25)
D: 13R: 12

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.