National Update
This traditional opening of the Annual Financial Management Conference provides an up-to-the-minute analysis of the issues affecting home care and hospice in Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and beyond. In 2007, with a significantly-altered Congress, the early initiation of the Presidential election campaign, and the rise of health care as a political and policy issue, this session provides the best insight as to what impact this will all have on home care and hospice. While legislative activity in Washington is always hot, 2007 also promises to be a very active year for new rules and regulations affecting the original Medicare program, as well as Medicare Advantage. This session offers a clear forecast of what Congress and the Administration plans for homecare and hospice.

Objectives:
1. Identify current legislative issues affecting home care and hospice.
2. Identify current regulatory issues affecting home care and hospice.
3. Explain the prognosis for legislative and regulatory action in 2007.

Medicare HHPPS: Refinement or Reform?
2007 is the year in which Medicare makes its first significant changes in the home health prospective payment system (HHPPS). Since October 2000, Medicare HHPPS has been a predictable and successful method of providing reimbursement for home health services. The expected 2007 changes refine parts of this reimbursement methodology while significantly reforming others. This session provides an in-depth focus as to the plans for the new HHPPS to take effect January 1, 2008.

Objectives:
1. Explain specific elements of the regulatory changes in Medicare home health prospective payment system.
2. Identify geographic and service areas that may experience the greatest impact from the new rule.
3. Describe implementation issues facing Medicare, home care providers and support services to home care.