How Will the ‘Choose Home Care Bill’ Shape Home Health Services?
The Choose Home Care Bill is poised to make significant waves in home health billing, building on a growing trend to provide as much care as possible in the comfort of a patient’s home. This aligns with broader initiatives like “aging in place” and “hospital-at-home,” concepts that gained new urgency during the global pandemic. At the same time, the bill reflects broader societal shifts, like the aging population — the so-called “silver wave” of Baby Boomers entering their senior years — and the increasing demand for personalized, in-home care options.
If you’re considering partnering with home health billing companies, this legislation is something you’ll want to keep on your radar. Let’s explore what it’s all about.
What Is the Choose Home Care Act?
Introduced in July 2021, the Choose Home Care Act provides Medicare recipients recovering from hospital stays the option to receive post-hospital care at home instead of in institutional settings like skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
The bill is designed for patients who qualify for care in nursing facilities but are clinically appropriate candidates for in-home recovery. For home health providers, this means additional payments for delivering services that support such patients’ recovery, including:
- Non-emergency transportation
- Meals tailored to clinical needs
- Remote patient monitoring (RPM)
- Therapies and home adaptive equipment
- Caregiver support and respite care
This comprehensive approach aims to address not just medical needs but also activities of daily living (ADLs) and the broader social determinants of health.
Practices can benefit from complementary solutions like Wenour Medical Billing for specialized billing needs. This combination boosts revenue cycle management for practices that need extra support.
The bill has garnered strong support from major organizations like AARP and in-home care advocates, as many providers are already equipped to deliver the expanded services it envisions.
Key Benefits of the Choose Home Care Bill
While the bill offers clear advantages for patients, its benefits extend across the healthcare ecosystem:
1. Modernizing Post-Acute Care
The bill introduces a new post-acute benefit that focuses on in-home recovery. This includes services like skilled nursing, therapy, home modifications, and meal delivery, making recovery more accessible and patient-focused.
2. Cost Savings for Medicare and Providers
The Choose Home Bill promotes a value-based care model that balances cost-effectiveness with better outcomes. Independent estimates suggest it could save Medicare $144 to $247 million annually, with long-term savings projected at $1.6 to $2.8 billion over a decade. These savings could also translate into financial opportunities for home health providers through strategic billing practices.
3. More Choices for Patients
By offering an alternative to institutional care, the bill empowers patients and families to choose care that aligns with their preferences and needs, enhancing flexibility and dignity in the recovery process.
4. Advancing Equity in Care
The shift from institutional to home-based care could reduce disparities by giving underrepresented populations more control over their healthcare journey. It also builds trust between patients and providers, fostering better communication and outcomes.
How It Works
For home health providers, understanding the specifics of the Choose Home Care Bill is critical. Here’s what it entails:
- Eligibility: Patients must live at home and meet the criteria for skilled nursing facility (SNF) benefits.
- Expanded Benefits: In addition to traditional home health services, patients receive a broader package of care for 30 days post-discharge, including personal care, caregiver support, and transition planning.
The Road Ahead
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) is actively advocating for the bill’s passage. NAHC President William Dombi emphasized the importance of making voices heard in Congress, urging providers and advocates to push for action.
Practices can benefit from complementary solutions like Wenour Medical Billing for specialized billing needs. This combination boosts revenue cycle management for practices that need extra support.
As healthcare continues to evolve toward patient-centered care, the Choose Home Care Bill reflects a meaningful shift in how services are delivered — putting patients’ needs and preferences at the forefront. For home health providers, now is the time to evaluate how this bill could align with your services and billing strategies.
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