America Turned to Hospital-at-Home Programs During the Pandemic–but Their Stunning Success Calls for a Permanent Fix

The implementation of hospital-at-home programs in the United States gained prominence during the pandemic, showcasing remarkable success. However, the sustainability of these programs is threatened by a pervasive issue: inadequate funding. A critical lifeline, the current waiver extension enabling reimbursement for home hospital care through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is set to expire on December 31, 2024. Without federal endorsement for an extension or permanent integration of hospital-at-home care, this innovative approach to healthcare delivery faces an uphill struggle. The hospital-at-home model, albeit promising, operates within defined parameters. Eligible patients must strike a delicate balance – ill enough to require hospitalization yet stable enough to receive care at home. These criteria currently encompass individuals with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, asthma, or heart failure, adhering to CMS waiver guidelines that mandate initial contact with a traditional hospital, typically through an emergency department or inpatient unit.