Clermont Times

Representatives Brad Wenstrup and Earl Blumenauer have unveiled a bipartisan discussion draft of legislation aimed at expanding access to healthcare at home. The draft legislation seeks to extend the Hospital Care at Home waivers, which have allowed for the delivery of hospital-level care to Medicare beneficiaries in their own homes. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative, launched in 2020 in response to challenges faced by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen significant success with 277 hospitals across 123 health systems in 37 states approved to participate as of March 2023.

Rep. Wenstrup, a physician and Co-Chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, emphasized the importance of offering patients care options that suit their needs. He stated, "This program will allow thousands of Americans to continue receiving quality care from the safety of their own home. Patients are less anxious, and heal better, when they can heal at home."

Rep. Blumenauer highlighted the positive impact of the hospital at home program, stating, "We know that patients fare better and enjoy their experience more when they’re at home." He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Rep. Wenstrup to expand access to the program for more hospitals and patients.

The bipartisan draft legislation aims to extend the waiver program until 2027, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and access to care. Both representatives are seeking feedback from patients, providers, and health systems involved in the program or considering participation.

The release of the draft legislation follows a House Ways and Means Committee hearing that underscored the importance of examining flexibilities necessary for the successful implementation of Hospital at Home. Rep. Wenstrup's emphasis on quality and accessible at-home care was reiterated during the hearing, where he advocated for the benefits of such programs.

The full text of the discussion draft can be accessed for further review.