Despite federal law to the contrary, some states have required that an individual seeking to receive home health services through Medicaid be homebound before they can qualify. Such requirements have previously been ruled in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, not all state regulations had been changed to reflect this ruling and come in to compliance with federal law.
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a ruling that clarifies the requirements for an individual to receive Medicaid home health services. The ruling makes clear that federal and state regulations cannot require an individual to be homebound before they receive home health services through Medicaid. The ruling will take effect beginning on July 1, 2016 and states must bring their Medicaid regulations in to compliance within two years.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ ruling is great news for seniors who wish to maintain more of independence and stay in their own homes while they receive the health services they are entitled to. If you have a loved one, friend or resident who wishes to qualify for at home health services make sure they contact AlerStallings to begin planning.
