House Passes Appropriations Package: The Impact on Homecare

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 13, 2021)—On a party line vote, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the annual appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for fiscal year 2022, approving $119 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $23 billion over the previous year.

(Discretionary spending does not include Medicare and Medicaid care-related expenses, as that is considered mandatory spending and not subject to the annual appropriations process.)

Following is a summary of the provisions holding impact on homecare and hospice providers.

Administration for Community Living

• Home and community-based services: $550 million, an increase of $158 million over FY2021
• Family caregiver supports: $249 million, an increase of $61 million
• Respite care: $14 million, an increase of $7 million
• Falls prevention: $5 million, consistent with FY21
• Aging and disability resource centers: $23 million, an increase of $15 million
• State health insurance assistance program: $57 million, an increase of $5 million
• Independent living centers: $148 million, an increase of $32 million
• Assistive technology: $44 million, an increase of $6.5 million

Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals

• $196 million, an increase from $192 million from FY21

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management

• State survey and certification: $472 million, an increase of $75 million from FY21

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account

• $109 million to carry out HHS OIG fraud and abuse activities
• $113 million to the Department of Justice to carry out fraud and abuse activities

The Senate has yet to act on its appropriations responsibilities, but current speculation suggests it is unlikely the normal appropriations process will be achieved in 2021. In that event, to stave off a government shutdown, a continuing resolution (CR) will need to be agreed to by Congress and signed by the President prior to Sept. 30. Continuing resolutions typically maintain current funding levels for the various programs and policies already in place.

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