Medicare home health gap for occupational therapy would close under HR 2013
In committeeH.R. 2013Latest action
Sponsor: Lloyd Smucker · Representative · PA
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Official title: Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2013 lets Medicare patients qualify for home health coverage through occupational therapy alone, starting January 1, 2026.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2013 adds occupational therapy to the list of services that can qualify a Medicare patient for covered home health services. Under current law, only skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or speech therapy can establish that eligibility. The change would take effect January 1, 2026.
Who does it affect?
Medicare beneficiaries — generally adults 65 and older, plus some younger people with disabilities — who need occupational therapy at home but do not qualify under the current rules are the primary group affected. Home health agencies and occupational therapists serving Medicare patients would also be affected, as more patients could become eligible for their services.
Why does it matter?
Under current law, a patient who needs only occupational therapy at home cannot receive Medicare coverage for it unless they also need one of the other qualifying services, creating a gap in coverage. Removing that restriction would expand the pool of Medicare patients who qualify for home health services.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 10, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 10, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.