AHA House Statement on Enhancing Access to Care at Home in Rural and Underserved Communities

In a statement, the American Hospital Association (AHA) emphasized the critical role of telehealth, the hospital-at-home (H@H) program, and home health agencies in expanding access to care for patients in their homes. They lauded the federal government's response during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included waiving regulatory requirements and providing legislative support for virtual care options. AHA urged Congress to make key telehealth flexibilities permanent and supported legislative efforts like the CONNECT for Health Act. AHA highlighted the transformative impact of the H@H model, citing research showing improved outcomes and patient experiences. They also raised concerns about recent Medicare reimbursement reductions affecting home health agencies, impacting patient access and hospital operations. AHA expressed readiness to collaborate with Congress on these important healthcare issues.