Home Health & Hospice Week

As new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rules rush at you, don’t miss the one on Medicare Advantage. CMS published the 2024 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D final rule in the April 12 Federal Register.

“The rule streamlines prior authorization requirements and reduces disruption for enrollees by requiring that a granted prior authorization approval remains valid for as long as medically necessary to avoid disruptions in care,” CMS explains in a fact sheet about the rule.

It also adds protections surrounding denials; a health index under the Star Ratings program for equity purposes; and expands behavioral healthcare, CMS says.

“Provisions most important for home health providers relate to acceptable coverage criteria, prior authorization and utilization management, behavior health, marketing, and health equity,” judges the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. The rule is at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-12/pdf/2023-07115.pdf