APTA has prepared a summary of a proposed rule issued Tuesday that would decrease Medicare payments to home health agencies (HHAs) approximately 3.35% for calendar year 2012. The summary breaks down the various provisions that combined would result in payment decreases, includes tables that illustrate the proposed updated 60-day episode payment amount for both quality-reporting and non-reporting HHAs, and addresses a proposed change to Medicare's face-to-face encounter requirement.

Look for a more comprehensive review of the proposed rule in coming weeks in News Now. Also, APTA will submit comments, due September 6, on the proposal.