Earl Blumenauer
05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 11:10
Reps. Wenstrup & Blumenauer Introduce Bipartisan 'Hospital At Home' Extender Legislation
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WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Representatives Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act. This important legislation includes a 5-year extension of the Acute Hospital Care at Home program to allow participating providers to continue furnishing services that enhance access to care. This bill will allow for the expanded delivery of hospital-level care for Medicare beneficiaries in the comfort of their own home.
This bill incorporates feedback received from providers and health systems participating in the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) program or considering doing so under an extension of the waiver. In addition to a 5-year extension for Hospital Care at Home waivers, this legislation also includes improvements to data collection required under the program to better inform Congress on how to make this program permanent in the future. As of April 22, 2024, there were 322 hospitals and 133 health systems in 37 States approved to participate in the AHCAH program. "As a physician and Co-Chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, I have seen firsthand how important it is for patients to have access to the method of care that best fits their needs," said Rep. Wenstrup, D. P. M."This bill would ensure patients have continued access to Hospital Care at Home options, allowing thousands of Americans to continue receiving quality care from the safety and comfort of their own home.""One of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic was our ability to innovate how we deliver high-quality health care. The hospital at home program is one shining example,"said Rep. Blumenauer."Extending this waiver will unlock hospital-level care at home for thousands of Americans while providing stability to hospitals currently utilizing this program. |