Advocacy Issue: Home Hospital Exemptions | AHA

Problem

The hospital-at-home (H@H) model, in which patients receive acute care in their homes rather than in the hospital, has emerged as an innovative and promising approach to providing high-quality care to patients in the comfort of home. their houses. Congress included a two-year extension of this exemption in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (CAA 2023), but no points were received from the Congressional Budget Office. Congress must take action to extend the exemptions for this program, which will expire on December 31, 2024.

AHA Position

AHA, Reps. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. He supports the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 8260/S.4350), introduced in the House by Senators Tom Carper, D-, and in the Senate by Senators Tom Carper, D-. Del. and Tim Scott, RS.C. The bill extends the H@H exemption for five years, through the end of 2029.

Hospitals and health systems see H@H programs as a safe and innovative way to provide care to patients from the comfort of their homes. This type of care is well-suited for moderately ill patients who require hospital-level care but are considered stable enough to be monitored safely from home. These patients can be safely treated by their physicians, a team of medical professionals, and a patient support system at home, rather than staying in the hospital for three days or longer.

Recognizing both the immediate and potential long-term benefits of telehealth, we urge Congress, CMS, and DEA to take action to make critical telehealth flexibilities permanent.

Essential Resources