U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced a bill that would create a five-year pilot for skilled nursing facility services to be administered at home, according to a Nov. 12 news release.
The Bringing Rehabilitation, Integrated Delivery and Greater Extended Care at Home Act, or BRIDGE Care at Home Act, would establish a Medicare “SNF-at-Home” program Jan. 1. Under the program, eligible entities could deliver SNF services at a patient’s home, as long as that patient already qualifies for SNF coverage under Medicare Part A. The release said Medicare currently covers qualifying skilled nursing care in a facility but lacks a comparable payment model for that care at home.
With the program, the standard of care must be the same for at-home and inpatient SNF treatment. The services would be paid for under current Medicare SNF payment rules, out of the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.
The HHS secretary would need to waive some SNF provisions to enable the program. SNFs and certain hospitals that have transfer agreements with SNFs would be eligible to participate. Patient participation would be voluntary.
In the release, Ms. Dingell cited a shortage of SNF beds, as well as how some patients would prefer at-home care.
“We must do more to support access to skilled nursing care in the home for patients who prefer that option,” Ms. Dingell said. “And most importantly, it is the less expensive option for both families and the government.”
The HHS secretary would also conduct a study by Sept. 30, 2030, comparing home and facility care.
