Additional Cuts Made to HHS, CMS Jobs

3/30/25 The Trump administration’s decision to cut 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including 300 positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has raised concerns about potential disruptions to home health care. While officials claim that Medicare and Medicaid services will remain unaffected, home-based care leaders worry that reductions in administrative staff could lead to delays in processing authorizations, reimbursements, and policy updates—critical factors for home health physical therapists who rely on efficient operations to provide timely patient care. Additionally, the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which supports aging-in-place services, may reduce funding for home and community-based care programs, making it harder for seniors to access rehabilitation and therapy services that prevent hospital readmissions.

For home health physical therapists, these workforce reductions and structural changes could create more bureaucratic hurdles, potentially slowing down approvals for necessary therapy visits and equipment. Advocacy groups, including LeadingAge and Caring Across Generations, have expressed concerns that the downsizing will worsen an already strained care infrastructure, limiting access to essential services for older adults and disabled individuals. As home health therapists work to keep patients independent and out of hospitals, any disruptions to Medicaid and Medicare processes could increase their administrative burden and lead to care gaps. The ongoing focus on cost-cutting rather than care expansion highlights the need for therapists to stay engaged in advocacy efforts, ensuring that policymakers understand the critical role of home health services in preventing costly hospitalizations and supporting aging at home.