In November 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver. This initiative was designed to offer hospitals more flexibility in treating patients at home instead of in a traditional hospital setting. According to the American Hospital Association, this model has been effective in reducing costs, improving outcomes, and enhancing patient experiences.
“Our nation is getting sicker and sicker, but programs like ‘Hospital at Home’ allow us to treat patients more efficiently while delivering high-quality care at a lower cost,” said Congressman Vern Buchanan. He highlighted the importance of home health services for nearly 200,000 seniors in his district and emphasized that the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act would enable over 200 hospitals across 34 states to continue participating in this program.
A recent CMS report indicated that treating patients in familiar environments accelerates recovery time, lowers mortality rates, and reduces risks associated with hospital-acquired infections and falls. The new legislation seeks to extend the current waiver through 2030.
Buchanan’s bill mandates a comprehensive study by HHS and CMS comparing home-based care with inpatient care based on criteria such as quality of care and patient satisfaction. Based on these findings, CMS would establish formal regulations for the program.
Senator Scott stated that “The American healthcare system must evolve to meet the needs of the patients in the 21st century.” Senator Warnock added that “This legislation is about protecting access to quality health care.”
Rep. Smucker remarked on how innovative models like Hospital at Home provide quality care at lower costs. Rep. Evans noted its success for Redeemer Health patients in Philadelphia.
The American Hospital Association supports this legislation as it provides stability for new and existing programs. Lisa Kidder Hrobsky from AHA praised Reps. Buchanan and Evans for their leadership.
Buchanan has actively advocated for improving health care access and recently introduced several acts aimed at expanding healthcare options for Americans.
