AHA Voices Support for Extending Medicare Telehealth, Hospital at Home Flexibilities

The American Hospital Association (AHA) recently expressed support for extending Medicare telehealth and Hospital at Home (H@H) flexibilities. In a statement to the House Ways and Means Committee, AHA emphasized the importance of these programs in expanding access to care for patients at home. AHA urged Congress to extend the H@H program and adopt telehealth waivers permanently, highlighting the need to collect quality and reimbursement data for shaping these programs. Additionally, AHA supported the CONNECT for Health Act, advocating for the elimination of originating site restrictions and coverage for audio-only services. AHA also raised concerns about CMS's base payment cuts for home health agencies and endorsed the Telehealth Modernization Act introduced by Reps. Carter and Blunt Rochester, aiming to extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanently.