Medicare bill could protect home health care access for millions
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If you or someone you love depends on Medicare for in-home health care, there may be changes on the horizon worth watching.
A major funding cut has been proposed that could affect how and where seniors receive care.
But a new bill in Congress may help shield older Americans from losing access to these essential services.
With bipartisan support and growing public interest, the legislation aims to reverse course on a move that many say could do more harm than good.
Here's what’s at stake—and what the proposed law could change.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced plans to reduce home health care payments by $1.135 billion in 2025—a 6.4% cut compared to the previous year.
That’s not just a budget shift.
For many families, it could mean the difference between receiving skilled care at home or being placed in a facility.
Home health services include things like wound care, medication management, and physical therapy.
While Medicare doesn't cover around-the-clock care or non-medical services like meal delivery, these clinical offerings allow many older adults to safely remain at home while recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.
According to AARP, 77% of adults over 50 want to "age in place"—that is, stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
But that goal can be difficult to achieve without accessible home health services.
If Medicare payments shrink, agencies may be forced to limit intake or shut down completely.
Since 2020, over 1,000 home health agencies have already closed, and nearly one-third of patients referred from hospitals are being turned away.
Without intervention, that number may rise even further.
To address the growing concern, members of Congress have introduced the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025.
The bill was put forward by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) and is designed to block the proposed Medicare payment cuts.
Supporters of the bill argue that reducing funding now may backfire by pushing more seniors into costlier care options like hospitals and nursing homes.
“This bill ensures seniors can get the care they need at home,” Rep. Hern stated.
Experts agree that in-home care is often both more affordable and more dignified for aging adults.
During the pandemic, home health services quickly became a safe and effective alternative for many patients—especially those with mobility issues or chronic illnesses.
According to Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, “For millions of Americans, home health care became an essential component of their lives.”
That shift has led many policymakers to reconsider how Medicare supports home-based care moving forward.
With older adults making up a large portion of voters, there’s growing pressure on Congress to prioritize home health options.
Not everyone supports halting the cuts.
Some members of Congress argue that reversing them could increase Medicare’s overall expenses and add to the federal deficit.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, noted, “If spending discipline is the goal, Republicans may see this as a non-starter.”
Finance expert Michael Ryan added, “This bill addresses an immediate crisis but doesn’t solve Medicare’s broader sustainability challenge. It’s a necessary tourniquet, not surgery.”
Still, many argue that maintaining access to home care could save money long-term by avoiding costly hospital stays.
The Home Health Stabilization Act is still under review in Congress, and it’s unclear whether it will pass.
If approved, it could help keep agencies open and protect access to care for millions of seniors.
If not, older Americans may face fewer options and more financial strain when seeking support at home.
Medicare decisions don’t just affect budgets—they shape the daily lives of millions of older Americans.
As lawmakers weigh the future of home health care, the outcome could determine whether more seniors can continue aging in place or face difficult transitions.
Staying informed, speaking up, and sharing your story can all help ensure that care remains both accessible and compassionate.
Read next: Bigger benefits, smaller payoff? Medicare costs may cut into your next Social Security raise
Have you used home health services—or struggled to access them? Do you have questions about how this bill could affect your care or coverage? Leave a comment below to join the conversation. Your insight could help others better understand what’s at stake.
A major funding cut has been proposed that could affect how and where seniors receive care.
But a new bill in Congress may help shield older Americans from losing access to these essential services.
With bipartisan support and growing public interest, the legislation aims to reverse course on a move that many say could do more harm than good.
Here's what’s at stake—and what the proposed law could change.
Medicare-funded home health services help older adults recover comfortably at home—proposed cuts could make that harder for many families. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Philadelphia.
A proposed cut could impact home care across the country
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced plans to reduce home health care payments by $1.135 billion in 2025—a 6.4% cut compared to the previous year.
That’s not just a budget shift.
For many families, it could mean the difference between receiving skilled care at home or being placed in a facility.
Home health services include things like wound care, medication management, and physical therapy.
While Medicare doesn't cover around-the-clock care or non-medical services like meal delivery, these clinical offerings allow many older adults to safely remain at home while recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.
Also read: Why reviewing your Medicare plan every year could save you money and stress
Aging in place may get harder without support
According to AARP, 77% of adults over 50 want to "age in place"—that is, stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
But that goal can be difficult to achieve without accessible home health services.
If Medicare payments shrink, agencies may be forced to limit intake or shut down completely.
Since 2020, over 1,000 home health agencies have already closed, and nearly one-third of patients referred from hospitals are being turned away.
Without intervention, that number may rise even further.
Also read: Is your Medicare Advantage plan about to get more expensive? Here’s what to know
Lawmakers respond with a bipartisan fix
To address the growing concern, members of Congress have introduced the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025.
The bill was put forward by Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) and is designed to block the proposed Medicare payment cuts.
Supporters of the bill argue that reducing funding now may backfire by pushing more seniors into costlier care options like hospitals and nursing homes.
“This bill ensures seniors can get the care they need at home,” Rep. Hern stated.
Experts agree that in-home care is often both more affordable and more dignified for aging adults.
Also read: 600,000 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members to lose coverage in 2025
COVID-19 showed the value of home health care
During the pandemic, home health services quickly became a safe and effective alternative for many patients—especially those with mobility issues or chronic illnesses.
According to Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, “For millions of Americans, home health care became an essential component of their lives.”
That shift has led many policymakers to reconsider how Medicare supports home-based care moving forward.
With older adults making up a large portion of voters, there’s growing pressure on Congress to prioritize home health options.
Also read: Could you be charged extra for Medicare without realizing it?
But some lawmakers raise concerns about cost
Not everyone supports halting the cuts.
Some members of Congress argue that reversing them could increase Medicare’s overall expenses and add to the federal deficit.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, noted, “If spending discipline is the goal, Republicans may see this as a non-starter.”
Finance expert Michael Ryan added, “This bill addresses an immediate crisis but doesn’t solve Medicare’s broader sustainability challenge. It’s a necessary tourniquet, not surgery.”
Still, many argue that maintaining access to home care could save money long-term by avoiding costly hospital stays.
Also read: Are you spending too much on Medicare? Here’s how to cut costs in retirement
The road ahead remains uncertain
The Home Health Stabilization Act is still under review in Congress, and it’s unclear whether it will pass.
If approved, it could help keep agencies open and protect access to care for millions of seniors.
If not, older Americans may face fewer options and more financial strain when seeking support at home.
Also read: Still confused by Medicare? Let’s clear up 10 common myths seniors should know
What you can do
- Stay informed: Follow trusted sources like The GrayVine and the official Medicare site for updates.
- Contact your representatives: Lawmakers pay attention to constituents—especially on issues that impact seniors.
- Share your story: If home health care has played a role in your life, let others know. Personal experiences make an impact.
Medicare decisions don’t just affect budgets—they shape the daily lives of millions of older Americans.
As lawmakers weigh the future of home health care, the outcome could determine whether more seniors can continue aging in place or face difficult transitions.
Staying informed, speaking up, and sharing your story can all help ensure that care remains both accessible and compassionate.
Read next: Bigger benefits, smaller payoff? Medicare costs may cut into your next Social Security raise
Have you used home health services—or struggled to access them? Do you have questions about how this bill could affect your care or coverage? Leave a comment below to join the conversation. Your insight could help others better understand what’s at stake.
