At HOME Services Act At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation Services Act of 2024
Impact
If enacted, HB7742 introduces significant changes to the way outpatient observation services are delivered under Medicare. The legislation provides a framework for hospitals to operate with certain waivers and flexibilities, enabling them to tailor home care services to individual patient needs. By facilitating care in a home environment, the bill is expected to benefit patients who may struggle to visit hospitals regularly due to health, mobility, or transportation issues. Its implementation could lead to improved health outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates, thus freeing up resources for both patients and healthcare providers.
Summary
House Bill 7742, titled the 'At HOME Services Act', seeks to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a two-year demonstration program allowing hospitals to provide outpatient observation services to Medicare beneficiaries in their homes. This initiative aims to improve access to care while potentially reducing the strain on hospital resources and allowing patients to receive necessary medical attention in a more comfortable setting. The bill reflects a growing trend toward home-based patient care as a means to enhance overall health outcomes.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, HB7742 faces scrutiny and may be subject to discussions surrounding its practical implementation and the adequacy of oversight to ensure quality of care. Critics could argue about the adequacy of resources allocated to support hospitals in meeting patient safety standards while providing services at home. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of telehealth integration and whether appropriate standards can be maintained in a home setting compared to traditional hospital care.
Advanced Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2023 This bill temporarily establishes several programs to provide telehealth services for at-home testing, evaluations, and other health care. Specifically, the bill establishes a demonstration program to provide assistive telehealth consultations and home- and community-based care for certain Medicare beneficiaries through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Covered services include certain at-home diagnostic tests, telehealth consultations, transportation services, and meal benefits. Beneficiaries must be (1) age 65 or older and eligible to enroll in a qualifying MA plan and to receive certain low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, or (2) dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The bill also establishes a grant program for state Medicaid programs to cover similar at-home tests and related telehealth consultations. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs must establish a pilot program to provide tests and related telehealth consultations free of charge to veterans.
To prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing a rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to place certain limitations on Medicaid payments for home or community-based services.
Veterans' True Choice Act of 2025This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program.A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.
Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.