Starting Jan 1, 2026, Medicare updates what it pays home health agencies, including a 2.4% annual update but also separate cuts that reduce the base rate overall.
Home health agencies’ pay will depend more on reported patient needs and performance, with updated quality measures and a revised patient survey starting April 2026.
CMS drops tracking of a COVID-19 vaccine measure in home health quality reporting and removes some questions about living situation, food, and utilities.
Medicare tightens rules to keep unqualified providers and suppliers out, including faster reporting of legal problems (30 days instead of 90) and more ways to revoke enrollment.
For medical equipment like walkers, supplies, and some diabetes devices, Medicare updates competitive bidding, adds more oversight, and moves some diabetes devices to a monthly rental model so upgrades can happen sooner.
Medicare MedicaidHealthcare
What Happens Next
Projected impacts based on AI analysis
October 2027
Updated HHCAHPS measures first appear on Care Compare website
Patients and families shopping for home health agencies will see quality scores based on the new survey questions for the first time, giving more current information to help choose a provider.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies
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.
