Problem

The hospital-at-home (H@H) model – where patients receive acute care at home rather than in a hospital – has emerged as an innovative and promising approach to providing high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their homes their. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (CAA 2023), Congress included a two-year extension of this waiver, which received no score from the Congressional Budget Office. Congressional action is needed to extend the waivers for this program, which is set to expire on December 31, 2024.

AHA position

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

Hospitals and health systems see H@H programs as a safe and innovative way to care for patients in the comfort of their homes. This type of care is suitable for patients with moderate acuity who require hospital-level care but are considered stable enough to be safely monitored at home. Instead of staying three days or more in the hospital, these patients can be safely treated by their doctor, a team of medical professionals and the patient’s support system at home.

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

Key resources