Fixing the ‘Toxic’ Home Health-Medicare Advantage RelationshipHome Health Care News | By Andrew Donlan The home health industry’s battle with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for fair rates has gone from a few stakeholders saying “the quiet part out loud” earlier this year to nearly every major provider in the country talking about the issue with regularity. My colleagues and I have covered the topic extensively. But we’ve moved beyond the question of how providers feel about MA rates for home health and moved onto the next: How can the problem be solved? Taking a step back, here are a few of the certainties we know:
“It’s been a challenge because, not only is the rate lower, but the processing of the claims is 6 to 8 times harder for your back office revenue cycle,” Intrepid USA CEO John Kunysz told me. “They just put in so many hurdles.” Based in Texas, Intrepid USA providers home health and hospice services, with over 60 locations spanning across 17 states. In this week’s exclusive, members-only HHCN+ Update, I explore the tumultuous relationship between the home health industry and MA, and also try to highlight some potential solutions for the road ahead. |