Dobson | DaVanzo analyzed preliminary 2020 Medicare Home Health claims and found that agencies may be underpaid on a case basis in 2020 due to the dual pressures of payment system reform and the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). This work, sponsored by the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, was submitted during the CY2021 HH PPS proposed rule public comment period and will be made available in the federal register. In it, we examine the extent to which home health agencies have conformed to behavioral assumptions, the basis of prospective CMS rate reductions in 2020. Ultimately, we found evidence that the system has a base payment rate which leads to payments that are 6% lower in implementation than expected in prior rulemaking. CMS reduced rates for 2020 by 4.36% on the basis of assumed provider behavioral responses to the new payment system.

In July, CMS exercised Option Period 2 to extend Dobson | DaVanzo’s contract to assist with Part D Formulary and Benefits Assessment.

Dobson | DaVanzo provided expert consulting and testimony concerning hospital taxes and Medicaid rates for the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) over a period of several years. The CHA just received a “final” settlement.