CMS Proposes Rule to Boost Program Integrity and Expand Home Health Access

Update (6 Oct 2026): Corrected the release date (July 1, not July 2, 2026), identified the rule (CMS-1844-P) and removed the call for comments: the comment period closed August 31, 2026.

On July 1, 2026, CMS released the CY 2027 Home Health PPS proposed rule (CMS-1844-P), published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2026 (FR Doc. 2026-13602). It would update Medicare program integrity measures, introduce new tools to combat fraud, and broaden access to home health care services. The comment period closed August 31, 2026; the final rule is expected later in 2026.

The rule proposes an estimated 2.4% (about $420 million) increase in CY 2027 home health payments, a 3.0% temporary reduction to the national standardized payment rate to continue recouping earlier overpayments, new grounds to deny or revoke Medicare enrollment and more grounds on which a revocation takes effect retroactively, and a statement that skilled palliative care can be furnished under the existing home health benefit. Read the full rule for details.

As a proposed rule, none of these provisions are final yet.

Why it matters

Home health agency administrators should review this proposed rule promptly, as it may introduce new compliance obligations, alter enrollment or documentation requirements, and affect reimbursement structures. Provisions aimed at combating fraud could trigger additional scrutiny of agency billing and operations. The proposed expansion of home health access may also create new service delivery opportunities. Agencies should watch for the final rule, expected later in 2026, before changing workflows.