The Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) is proud to announce that U.S. Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-Miami) has officially cosponsored the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5142) — a critical step in safeguarding access to Medicare home health services for Florida’s seniors and families.

Introduced by Representatives Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Terri Sewell (D-AL), the bipartisan Home Health Stabilization Act would block the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing its proposed 9% payment cut in 2026, as well as any additional reductions in 2027. The legislation provides a two-year pause to allow Congress and stakeholders time to reassess CMS’s methodology and develop a more sustainable, data-driven approach to home health reimbursement.

If left unchallenged, these cuts will take effect on January 1. CMS is expected to finalize the rule by late October — making passage of H.R. 5142 urgent to preserve access to care at home.

Florida Advocacy in Action

Representative Gimenez signed onto the legislation on September 17, just days after HCAF staff and 18 Florida-based advocates met with congressional offices during the National Alliance for Care at Home’s advocacy fly-in in Washington, D.C. His swift support highlights the power of strategic advocacy and his commitment to ensuring Floridians can continue receiving care in the setting they overwhelmingly prefer — their home.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Gimenez for stepping up as the first Florida lawmaker to cosponsor this bill,” said Denise Bellville, RN, Executive Director of HCAF. “His leadership sends a strong message that Florida’s most vulnerable citizens and the professionals who care for them will not be overlooked.”

Take Action: Urge More Lawmakers to Cosponsor

HCAF continues to collaborate with national partners and Florida’s congressional delegation to ensure providers can deliver the services patients rely on to stay healthy at home and out of institutional care.

We applaud Representative Gimenez for his leadership — now let’s make sure the rest of Florida’s congressional delegation follows his lead.

Please contact your U.S. Representative today through HCAF’s Legislative Action Center to urge their support for H.R. 5142 — it only takes a few clicks to make your voice heard.

TAKE ACTION