U.S. House Passes Medicare Reforms that Extend Home-Based Care for Seriously Ill

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a continuing resolution containing several Medicare reforms, including important components of the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act.

Among the changes, the bill would extend the Independence at Home (IAH) care model. IAH ensures access to high-quality, home-based medical care for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries by requiring primary care providers to offer 24-hour care in the home while meeting certain quality standards. If made permanent, the program is expected to increase the efficiency of care delivery through Medicare. In its first two years of its implementation, IAH saved Medicare and participating care providers over $32 million. In addition to this legislation providing greater support to Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in the home, the legislation will also include the conducting of studies that enhance standards of care.

The CHRONIC Care Act also makes important changes to the Medicare Advantage program to support beneficiaries with serious illnesses. The legislation expands flexibility for plans to provide certain supplemental benefits by permitting coverage of non-medical services, allowing those with advanced illness to access a wider range of support. This legislation is now contingent on passage in the Senate. Click here to learn more.