Bill > H1141

This bill aims to expand access to acute hospital at home services by requiring various types of health insurance providers in Massachusetts to cover and reimburse hospital at home services at the same rate as traditional in-person hospital services. Specifically, the bill mandates coverage for services provided by acute care hospitals participating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. This applies to state employee group insurance, individual and group accident and sickness insurance policies, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, health maintenance contracts, and preferred provider contracts. The coverage requirement extends to both active and retired state employees, as well as other insured individuals within the commonwealth. Hospital at home services allow patients to receive acute-level hospital care in their own homes, which can potentially reduce hospital stay costs, minimize exposure to hospital-acquired infections, and provide patients with a more comfortable treatment environment. By requiring equivalent reimbursement to in-person services, the bill aims to remove financial barriers that might discourage healthcare providers and patients from utilizing this innovative care delivery model.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1141