Take Action on the “Choose Home Act”

GO HERE to tell Congress to support Choose Home Care Act of 2021

Home care has long been a safe and effective alternative to care in an institutional setting. Medicare reform to provide viable, extended care services at home for patients who otherwise have only one choice, the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) benefit, is long overdue.

The risks and limitations of SNFs has been vividly demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the pandemic crisis, extended care at home also makes sense. Nearly 33% of patients who go to SNFs have identical frailty scores to those who receive care at home. The main difference in these patients is that they lack access to extended caregiver services and certain other supplemental health care supports.

The likely best chance for a vote on the bill will be in the reconciliation infrastructure package. Sources are predicting that the package will come together for a vote in the fall. In the meantime, we need to build as much support as possible for the Choose Home Care Act so that it’s well positioned when negotiations begin in earnest. As can be imagined, there is strong opposition from the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the group representing Skilled Nursing Facilities, and from the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Every bit of support we can get will be key to overcoming their opposition.

With the bill being introduced in the Senate only at this point, there is a heavy focus there to start. Please reach out to our Senators and urge their support for the legislation. Calls, personal messages, and in-person interactions (if safely available) are always the most effective, but the NAHC Legislative Action Center is also ready with a pre-drafted message that only requires your contact information. Within that link are supporting materials with additional information including a factsheet and FAQs.

Important details

Bill: Choose Home Care Act of 2021 (S. 2562)

Senate sponsors: Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Casey (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Cardin (D-MD) Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

Additional Supporting Organizations: Partnership for Quality Home Health Care, AARP, LeadingAge, Allies for Independence, National Council on Aging, Moving Health Home, Council of State Home Care and Hospice Associations, Forum of State Associations.

Additional Resources

  • To view the PQHH/NAHC press release, CLICK HERE.
  • To send an email to your Senators urging support for the bill and to submit a letter to the editor to your local paper about Choose Home, CLICK HERE.
  • To access suggested social media posts and graphics, CLICK HERE.