CMS Releases Report on Hospital-At-Home Programs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a report this week on its study of the hospital-at-home (H@H) program. The study, which evaluated several aspects of the program, found that patient and caregiver experiences with H@H have been positive and the quality of care provided through H@H comparable to the care provided in brick-and-mortar hospitals.

In its fact sheet about the report, CMS wrote that the study was required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023). The CAA, 2023 extended the CMS waivers and flexibilities that allow certain Medicare-certified hospitals to treat patients with inpatient-level care at home until Dec. 31, 2024. CMS noted that continuing the H@H program beyond 2024 is contingent on Congressional action. Extending the authority is a top advocacy priority for WHA in Washington, DC.