Maxwell TEC is a proud sponsor of Last Visit First with Tom Maxwell, a podcast bringing leaders, innovators, and caregivers together to talk honestly about the choices shaping the future of home health and hospice.
In this episode of Last Visit First, Tom Maxwell sits down with two of the most trusted voices in home based care policy and operations. Scott Levy, Chief Government Affairs Officer at the National Alliance for Care at Home, and Luke James, President of VitalCaring Group, help unpack the 2026 CMS Home Health Final Rule.
Together they explain how CMS reached the 1.3% cut, why the permanent adjustment shift matters, what changed in PDGM, and how wage index swings will affect agencies across the country. They discuss VBP updates, outlier changes, cost report accuracy, rural access barriers, clinician workload, and what agencies should consider during budgeting and forecasting for 2026.
Scott and Luke also share real-world perspectives on recruiting, retention, and the future stability of small and mid-sized agencies. This is a must-listen for anyone leading teams, shaping strategy, or navigating payment and policy changes in home health and hospice.
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Eager to learn more about what the 2026 Home Health Final Rule means for your agency? We explore what these updates mean and how Maxwell TEC helps agencies stay compliant, financially stable, and patient-focused through the shifts:
Key Takeaways From the 2026 Home Health Final Rule
On November 28, 2025, CMS released the CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule (HH PPS)—one of the most highly anticipated and consequential updates for care-at-home providers of the year.
While CMS made notable changes in response to industry concerns, the rule still results in a net payment reduction and ushers in several operational, clinical, and compliance impacts for agencies nationwide.
This blog breaks down the major changes and what they mean for home health organizations navigating an already strained landscape.
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