To ensure Medicare patients have access to rehabilitative care, U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) on Sept. 4 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would create a more sustainable payment system for the program’s Home Health Agencies (HHAs).
“Home health is a lifesaver for millions of seniors and their loved ones, especially in rural states like Oklahoma, where hospitals and nursing facilities may be hours away,” Rep. Hern said. “Slashing home health payments not only undermines access to this critical benefit, but it also drives up overall Medicare costs by forcing patients into more expensive care settings.
“This bill ensures seniors can get the care they need at home, while protecting taxpayers from wasteful spending,” said the congressman, who introduced the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025, H.R. 5142, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL).
HHAs have suffered multiple setbacks in recent years, with more than 1,000 of them closing since 2000, leaving nearly one-third of patients referred to home health care from hospitals unable to receive services.
If enacted, H.R. 5142 would pause the funding reductions that have been happening over the last several years to give Congress and the industry time to develop a better, more sustainable payment system, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Hern’s staff.
“The impending cuts to the Medicare home health program will leave lasting negative impacts on patients and their families,” said Rep. Sewell. “It is imperative to prevent such cuts from taking effect, which is why I am proud to sponsor the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025.”
The measure is supported by LeadingAge and the National Alliance for Care at Home.