HHS progresses on programs encouraging home care

The federal Department of Health and Human Services last week finalized the Community First Choice rule for Medicaid and announced the participants in the Independence at Home Demonstration Program for Medicare. The final rule on the Community First Choice Option provides states choosing to participate with a 6 percent increase in federal Medicaid matching funds for providing community-based attendant services and supports to beneficiaries who would otherwise be confined to a nursing home or other institution. The Independence at Home Demonstration Program encourages primary care practices to provide home-based care to chronically ill Medicare patients.