US Representatives Smith and Dingell introduced legislation to increase access to home health services
(Courtesy of Representative Smith’s Office)
Smith introduced the Extended Care at Home Act on Tuesday with Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan. The legislation aims to restore home calls to Medicare beneficiaries and enhance the accessibility and affordability of home dialysis for kidney patients.
Dingell said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of accessing care outside of traditional medical settings. She added that many would also prefer to be cared for in the “comfort and safety” of their own home.
“I am proud to introduce this legislation that will help remove barriers to care and increase patients’ options to receive critical care in the setting of their choice,” Dingell said in a statement.
Smith and Dingell said the proposal would also enable the introduction of advanced diagnostic imaging at home, expand access to infusion services at home and create Medicare personal care services benefits to close the gap for people who can’t yet pay out of pocket. Not eligible for Medicaid home care services.
The bill also seeks to “build the next generation of the home care workforce, including physicians, nurses, and EMS providers.”
“As we identify opportunities to modernize the care that older people can access, we must consider the convenience and convenience that home care provides them,” Smith said in a statement. “Expanding care in the home act is a logical measure to ensure that Medicare can process claims for home care services, and I am proud to lead the introduction of this important bill.”
was the bill Referred to House Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee.
