Federal Policy
Lawmakers Introduce Bill Creating Medicare At-Home SNF Pilot
Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the BRIDGE Care at Home Act on Thursday, which would create a five-year Medicare pilot allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive skilled nursing facility-level care at home instead of in a facility. Dingell cited a shortage of SNF beds as a reason for the bill, and said home-based care is less expensive for families and government. The bill would also require HHS to compare quality, outcomes, costs and patient characteristics between beneficiaries receiving care at home versus in a facility during the pilot. LeadingAge, Moving Health Home, Caring Across Generations and SEIU supported the bill's introduction.
Why it mattersHome health and skilled nursing providers, as well as Medicare beneficiaries who also rely on Medicaid for long-term services and supports, could see new care delivery options if the pilot advances.