Medicare would add home dialysis respite and mental health visits starting 2028

What does this do?

HR 8875 adds two new Medicare-covered services for home dialysis patients beginning in 2028. New patients may receive up to 20 respite care sessions in their first 30 days, and patients with a physical limitation may use respite care at any time. New patients may also receive up to 4 mental health sessions at home during their first 60 days.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects Medicare patients with kidney failure who dialyze at home, who are often elderly or disabled. It also affects the registered nurses, certified technicians, and mental health providers who deliver these services.

Why does it matter?

Home dialysis requires significant skill and can be physically and emotionally demanding, creating situations where patients temporarily cannot manage treatment alone. Expanding covered support services may affect how many patients choose or are able to continue dialysis at home rather than traveling to a clinic.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Rural providers get higher payments
• No offsets to other Medicare spending
• Cost added on top of existing budget