Relates to the rates of payment for certified home health agencies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica González-Rojas and 9 co-sponsors

Rewrites payment for certified home health agencies by adopting a new reimbursement method and rate updates to boost provider stability, access, and care quality.

PRINT NUMBER 7013B

Summary — A.7013 (Print No. 7013B)

Title: Relates to the rates of payment for certified home health agencies
Introduced: March 18, 2025 · Status: Print No. 7013B (Amend and Recommit to Health)
Primary sponsor: Assemblymember Amy Paulin. Cosponsors: Judy Griffin; John T. McDonald III; Jessica Gonzalez‑Rojas; Rebecca Seawright; Karines Reyes; David Weprin; Yudelka Tapia; Anna Kelles; Jen Lunsford.
Companion bill: S.7052 (Senate)

Purpose and intent

A.7013 concerns the methodology and levels for reimbursement (rates of payment) to certified home health agencies. The bill’s stated aim is to revise how home health providers are paid in order to address payment adequacy, provider financial stability, and continued access to home‑based care services.

Key provisions (as described by bill title and legislative summaries)

The bill would do one or more of the following (the bill text should be consulted for precise language):
- Establish or modify the rates of payment for certified home health agencies for services covered under state programs.
- Direct a state health or Medicaid administrative agency to adopt a new reimbursement methodology, adjust existing rates, or implement scheduled rate changes.
- Require reporting, cost‑study, or data collection to inform rate‑setting and to assess the impact of rate changes on access and quality.
- Include an effective date or phased implementation timetable for any rate changes and might specify applicability to publicly funded programs (e.g., Medicaid) and/or state certification/contracting frameworks.

Who would be affected

Certified home health agencies: potential changes in revenue and operations depending on whether rates increase, decrease, or are restructured.

Patients and families receiving home health care: potential effects on access, availability of services, and continuity of care.

State payers and Medicaid program: budgetary impacts depending on rate adjustments and any mandated cost studies or reporting.

Workforce: implications for hiring, retention, and wages for home health aides, nurses, and therapists if reimbursement changes affect agency finances.

Fiscal and policy considerations

Budget impact: rate increases would raise state and/or Medicaid expenditures; rate reductions or restructuring could reduce costs but risk provider consolidation or reduced access.

Access and quality: improving payment levels can support provider capacity and quality; inadequate rates may threaten service availability, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

Administrative effects: agencies may face new reporting requirements or transition costs under a changed payment model.

Legislative status and next steps

Referred to the Assembly Health Committee March 18, 2025. Multiple “Amend and Recommit to Health” and print actions occurred March 19 and May 28, 2025, resulting in Print No. 7013A and then 7013B.

Monitor Health Committee docket for hearings, amendments, fiscal notes, and the companion Senate bill S.7052 for parallel actions.

For precise legal effect, consult the full bill text (Print No. 7013B) and any fiscal notes or committee memos that accompany it.