If Congress doesn’t act by September 30, the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) waiver will end, affecting programs across 39 states. This waiver lets hospitals deliver inpatient-level care directly to patients’ homes. Without it, those needing hospital care would be forced to return to traditional facilities, putting a halt to many home-based programs.
During a recent webinar, Dr. Ashby Wolfe from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) discussed the potential consequences of congressional inaction. Since November 2020, 413 hospitals have been part of this program, helping over 48,500 patients.
Originally, the waiver was introduced during the COVID-19 crisis to ease hospital congestion. It relies on special payment conditions enabled by a declared public health emergency. Dr. Wolfe noted that as the emergency ended in May 2023, CMS has repeatedly sought extensions of its authority, currently set to expire at the end of September.
Dr. Wolfe highlighted the challenges this temporary nature creates for planning and sustainability. “Long-term planning is crucial for the operational health of these programs,” she said.
Many hospitals, especially those outside the Inpatient Prospective Payment System, find themselves excluded from participating in AHCaH. Wolfe acknowledged CMS’s ongoing efforts to address these concerns and engage with Congress for potential solutions.
“What will happen next?” she asked. “Right now, we don’t know.” The future depends on whether Congress decides to extend the program or implement changes. If no action is taken, it will impact all Medicare and Medicaid patients currently receiving care at home.
Lisa Tripp, a partner at Tripp Hollander Advisors LLC, expressed optimism about the situation. She noted that because the waiver doesn’t add costs for taxpayers and has bipartisan support, it’s likely that Congress will extend it, though the duration of extensions remains uncertain.
Insights and Trends
A recent survey indicated that about 70% of patients prefer home care over hospital stays. This reflects a growing trend where patients value comfort and convenience. Moreover, hospitals using home care programs report lower readmission rates, an essential factor for both patient well-being and healthcare costs.
Also noteworthy is the rising interest in telehealth services, fueled by the pandemic. Many hospitals now incorporate telemedicine into their home care models, allowing ongoing monitoring and consultations. This could enhance patient care even further if supported by legislative action.
In summary, the fate of the Acute Hospital Care at Home program hangs in the balance. With rising patient preferences for home care and the proven benefits it offers, the stakes for timely congressional action couldn’t be higher.
For more information on related healthcare policies, visit CMS.
