Finding A Path To Serving Special Needs Children In The Comfort Of Their Homes

The journey to deliver care to special needs children in their homes has evolved significantly, driven by historical precedents like Katie Beckett's case and subsequent policy changes. Despite progress, challenges persist, with fragmented healthcare experiences leading to poor outcomes and caregiver strain. The solution lies in creating seamless care pathways from tertiary care hospitals to homes. To address this, payment reforms are needed to align incentives for improved health outcomes. Virtual pediatric care networks and enhanced home-health support with caregiver training are crucial. Innovations like Arizona's Licensed Health Aide program and virtual-first pediatric care models are emerging to bridge gaps and empower caregivers. Aligning incentives across stakeholders through value-based care models will be pivotal in ensuring quality care and maximizing safe days for these children within their communities.