Speak Out on the Home Health Proposed Rule for Calendar Year 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule for Calendar Year (CY) 2026 on June 30, 2025. Stakeholders, including therapists working in home health agencies (HHAs) have an opportunity to comment on the rule until September 2, 2025. 

The proposed rule includes significant cuts in payment for HHAs. Specifically, CMS proposes a 6.4% decrease in Medicare payments to HHAs for 2026, amounting to an estimated $1.135 billion reduction compared to 2025. How did CMS arrive at a 6.4% decrease? In simple terms, when the Patient Drive Groupings Model (PDGM) was implemented, Congress required CMS to ‘build’ in future reductions to account for overpayments they anticipated would be made under the new model. While some of these reductions were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS is now proposing to make some of these reductions. PTs and PTAs know better than anyone the impact additional cuts could have on patient access to care. 

If this matters to you, and it should, the APTA Home Health and the APTA Geriatrics asks you to take a moment and send a comment to CMS. Tell them the impact these significant cuts would have on your patients’ access to physical therapy services in the home. 

It is easy! 

1. Click on this link: Express Concerns to CMS on Home Health Reductions 
2. In the section “Message Body” tell your story about how these cuts will hurt patients who need home health therapy. 
3. Enter your Name and Address information. 
4. Press Send Message at the bottom of the page. 
   

To learn more about the work of the Joint Government Affairs Committee or how you can get involved in advocacy, visit APTA Home Health or APTA Geriatrics. 

Latest 'Quarterly Report' Available Electronically Now 

The Quarterly Report, the official newsletter of APTA Home Health, is published four times annually and is only available to APTA Home Health members.

The latest issue is available now -- Summer 2025, Vol. 60 No. 3 -- and can be read by logging in and visiting the QR library, here. If you opted-in to receiving a printed copy, you should receive it in the mail in a few weeks.

APTA Unveils 2025-2026 Public Policy Priorities: Advancing Physical Therapy Advocacy

As our health care system continues to evolve, the APTA has released its “Public Policy Priorities, 2025-2026,” outlining a strategic roadmap for advocacy on behalf of physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants. This updated agenda reflects progress made in 2024, particularly concerning the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and emphasizes the profession’s ongoing impact in the health care landscape. 

Developed by the APTA Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, with input from various member experts and approval from the APTA Board of Directors, the priorities focus on four core areas:

1. Patient Access and Care: APTA advocates for the elimination of barriers to health care services to improve patient outcomes. 
2. Population Health and Social Determinants of Health: The association urges the enactment of policies that empower all individuals, regardless of their background, to live healthy and independent lives. 
3. Value-Based Care and Practice: APTA supports payment infrastructures that ensure patients achieve optimal outcomes commensurate with the cost of care. 
4. Research and Clinical Innovation: The organization prioritizes research and clinical innovation to advance the science and effectiveness of physical therapist evaluation and management. 

These priorities are not merely aspirational; recent advocacy efforts have led to significant policy changes. Notably, the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule includes two key victories: the supervision requirement for PTAs under Medicare Part B has shifted from direct to general supervision, providing greater flexibility, especially in rural or underserved areas. Additionally, an exemption to the plan of care signature requirement for outpatient therapy services referred by a physician has been implemented, reducing administrative burdens on PTs. 

APTA Home Health Government Affairs Committee encourages all members to familiarize themselves with these priorities and actively participate in our collective advocacy efforts. By doing so, we can continue to advance our profession and enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Join the Advocacy Network to help us advance the profession!

Eva Norman, PT, DPT, MS
Co-Chair APTA Home Health Government Affairs Committee

APTA Board, Nominating Committee Recommendations Due March 10

APTA National

Do you know an APTA member who would make an exceptional leader in the association?

The APTA Nominating Committee is seeking recommendations for national office, including positions on the APTA Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Positions open for election are APTA secretary, vice speaker of the House of Delegates, three directors on the APTA Board, and two Nominating Committee members.

To submit names of qualified members — including your own — for consideration for the upcoming election cycle, visit APTA's Nominations and Elections webpage and use the online Recommendations for National Office Form. Elections will occur in November, with elected individuals assuming office on Jan. 1, 2026.

Get More Information on Responsibilities, Core Attributes, and Processes

What's expected of an elected leader? What personal qualities position someone for success in those roles? How does the recommendation and nomination process work? APTA’s Nominations and Elections webpage provides answers.