CMS gives a lot of weight to personal stories and first-hand experiences in addition to data from organizations and agencies. It’s vital for clinicians to add their voices to the fight against the -6.4% cut to home health. Every comment matters.
This guide includes:
- Instructions on how to leave a personal comment for the 2026 HH Proposed rule
- Comment tips for clinicians
- Insights on how the proposed rule will impact patients
How to Leave a Personal Comment on the CMS Proposed Rule
DEADLINE: AUGUST 29, 2025
- Go to the Federal Register page for the Proposed Rule and “Submit a Public Comment”
- Type out your personal comment and include this tag: CMS-1828-P; CMS-2025-0242-0002; 0938-AV53
- Under “What is Your Comment About?” Select “Home Health Facility – HPA25”
- Fill out the rest of the form. Don’t forget to check the box next to “I read and understand the statement above”
Comment Tips for Clinicians
- Use a professional and respectful tone
- Introduce yourself and explain how you think cuts to Home Health will impact you and your patients
- Share personal experiences about how your work in home health has:
- Positively affected patients and their families
- Prevented hospitalizations
- Describe what you think would happen to your patients and their families if they didn’t have access to your services
- Explain why you are passionate about working in the home health industry
- Adhere to HIPAA and patient privacy rules, do NOT use protected patient health information (PHI)
Why It Matters: How Patients Will Be Affected
Home health clinicians are passionate about their work and proud of the personalized care they deliver. Home Health is a proven, cost-effective benefit that allows patients to receive skilled care in the comfort and safety of their homes—often preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and reducing total cost of care for patients. Without home health services, patients are forced to recover in a hospital, or skilled care facility, resulting in increased costs and may struggle to return to their homes and retain their independence.
Despite the clear value these services provide to patients, access to home health has declined 13% since 2018. In 2024 alone, over 4.2 million individuals did NOT receive the home health services recommended by their physicians. Every percentage point of payment reduction adds further pressure to the industry and represents fewer visits, longer wait times, and a diminished quality of life for patients.
Likely Outcomes of the 2026 Home Health Proposed Rule Include:
- Longer wait times for home health
- Fewer people gaining access to home health
- Fewer visits for patients receiving home health
- Potential decrease in the quality of care received by patients
Without Home Health Services
Patients without home health services face negative health outcomes including:
- Increased hospital readmissions. Patients who do not receive home health services after a hospitalization experience a 34% higher readmission rate.
- Increased mortality. Patients who do not receive home health services after a hospitalization have a 41% higher mortality rate.
- Increased costs. Patients without home health services incur $6,433 more in healthcare costs in the first year after their hospital stay than those who received home health.
Since 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented cuts to Medicare Home Health services, increasing the financial strain on agencies each year. The National Alliance for Care at Home provides a breakdown of the effect CMS’s policies have had on each state. Learn how your state has been affected and find additional advocacy opportunities here. Traditionally, agencies and industry organizations have advocated on behalf of the home health industry. It’s time for new voices to join the fight in support of home health. Leave your comment before August 29, 2025.
