The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed Medicare Cuts of 9% to home health payment rates for 2026. If approved, these Medicare Cuts could eliminate over $1 billion in funding nationwide, forcing many Ohio home health agencies to reduce services or close their doors entirely.
These cuts don’t just affect providers—they threaten patient access, care quality, and the stability of home health jobs across Ohio.
How the Medicare Cuts Affect Home Health Agencies
Home health agencies already operate under extreme financial strain. Rising staffing costs, inflation, and workforce shortages have pushed many to the brink.
The proposed 9% Medicare Cuts could:
- Slash reimbursement rates, reducing financial viability for agencies.
- Limit patient admissions—especially for those in rural or medically complex cases.
- Force staffing reductions, increasing burnout among clinicians.
- Jeopardize continuity of care and increase hospital readmissions.
For thousands of older adults and people with disabilities in Ohio, these Medicare Cuts could mean losing access to home-based care altogether.
The Rule Is in Final Review — Act Before It’s Too Late
CMS’s proposal is now under final review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as of November 2025, the last step before it becomes official policy. Once this review is complete, no further feedback will be accepted.
This is the final chance for Ohio’s home health agencies to share how these Medicare Cuts would impact your patients, staff, and communities!
Request a Meeting with the White House’s OIRA
Under Executive Order 12866, any stakeholder can request a meeting with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to comment directly on proposed federal rules.
These meetings are virtual and relatively short (typically around 30 minutes), but are a great way to make a real impact in Ohio right now.
You can request a meeting through OIRA’s website: How to Request an OIRA Meeting
Then, find the rule currently under review: CMS Home Health Rule – OMB Dashboard
When submitting your request, reference the “Medicare Home Health Prospective Payment System (CY 2026)” rule and describe how the proposed Medicare Cuts would harm your agency and patients.
What to Share During Your OIRA Meeting
Use this opportunity to present your experiences:
- Operational impact: How would the 9% cut affect your revenue or service area?
- Staffing challenges: What positions are at risk due to reduced funding?
- Patient outcomes: How would reduced reimbursements affect patient safety and recovery?
- Community effects: Would hospital readmissions or ER visits increase?
Why Ohio’s Home Health Agencies Must Act Now
Ohio’s home health agencies play a vital role in keeping seniors and people with disabilities safe, independent, and out of hospitals. The proposed Medicare Cuts threaten the foundation of that care.
Every voice matters. By engaging with OIRA today, you can help shape policy that protects patient access and sustains your agency’s mission.
Take Action:
- Submit your meeting request with OIRA now: Request a Meeting
- Share your impact story with CMS and your state associations.
- Educate your teams and partners on the consequences of these cuts.
