A new bill that would remove certain barriers to home-based care will soon be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Expanding Care in the Home Act (ECHA) would, among other things, create a personal care services benefit in Medicare to give aid to beneficiaries who are unable to afford out-of-pocket payments but don’t qualify for home care services by Medicaid.
The bill would also increase the accessibility and affordability of home dialysis for kidney patients, increase access to preventative screening by allowing people to receive in-home lab testing and would add up to 144 hours of in-home help with meals, bathing and dressing for those beneficiaries.
“We are excited to support the introduction of the Expanding Care in the Home Act,” Margaret Haynes, president and CEO of Right at Home, said in a statement. “Every day, our 385 provider locations across America receive inquiries from seniors and their families asking if original Medicare pays for assistance with the activities of daily living. We call for the enactment of this bill, which enables all Medicare beneficiaries to get home care at the times they need it most.”
The bill was introduced by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
“We know people often prefer to receive care in the comfort and security of their own homes, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of expanding access to health care beyond traditional doctor’s office or hospital settings,” Rep. Dingell said in a statement. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation which will help remove barriers to care and increase options for patients to receive critical care in the setting of their choice.”
The add-on benefit would also allow home care services for beneficiaries recently discharged from the hospital. In theory, that would reduce additional Medicare spending.
Medicare Advantage plans have been able to pay for caregivers who help with cooking, getting dressed and other activities of daily living since 2018. This bill would expand those payment options and services to some of the most at-risk Medicare beneficiaries.
“A large population of Americans are limited in their ability to access quality care,” Kevin Riddleberger, DispatchHealth co-founder and CSO, said in a statement. “Thankfully, we have the privilege of touching many of the nation’s complex patients by bringing health care to them at home — and not just as a convenience, but because it’s the only way for them to receive high acuity care and address their medical needs. I’m hopeful that policymakers will capitalize on the tailwinds of the pandemic to ensure we continue to break down the barriers and give every American access to high-quality health care.”
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