Medicare home observation pilot program set for two-year trial under HHS
In committeeH.R. 8923Latest action
Sponsor: Kathy Castor · Representative · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: At HOME Services Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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A two-year test lets certain hospitals care for Medicare observation patients at home using in-person visits and telehealth instead of a hospital stay.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill creates a two-year test program allowing participating hospitals to monitor and treat certain Medicare patients at home instead of keeping them in the hospital under observation status. Care would be delivered through a mix of in-person visits and telehealth. After the program ends, the Department of Health and Human Services must publish a public report comparing patient outcomes, costs, and care quality between the two approaches.
Who does it affect?
Medicare patients who would otherwise be placed in hospital observation status are the people this program would affect, meaning adults 65 and older or those with certain qualifying disabilities. Hospitals that choose to apply and meet federal safety standards may also participate.
Why does it matter?
The report required at the end of the program is meant to give policymakers information to decide whether to make home-based observation care permanent. Any hospital that stops meeting safety and quality standards can be removed from the program.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 20, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 20, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.