HCAF has joined a stakeholder letter led by Moving Health Home, a coalition dedicated to advancing federal and state policies that recognize the home as a clinical site of care. The letter urges congressional leaders to approve a full five-year extension of the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) waiver as part of the March 2025 government funding package.

The AHCAH waiver, which was originally introduced as a federal flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, has allowed hospitals to safely deliver acute-level care in patients’ homes, reducing costs and improving patient outcomes. This extension would provide stability for home-based care models, enabling more hospitals and providers to participate in delivering high-quality in-home hospital care.

Why This Matters for Home Health Providers

The AHCAH model aligns with the increasing preference among patients to receive care in their homes rather than institutional settings. Supporting this extension ensures:

• Continued access to hospital-level care at home, reducing strain on traditional hospital facilities.
• Stronger integration between home health agencies and hospital systems, expanding opportunities for in-home providers.
• Sustained cost savings and quality improvements, as studies have shown hospital-at-home programs reduce mortality rates, readmissions, and overall healthcare spending.

HCAF stands with nearly 100 leading health care organizations in urging Congress to secure long-term stability for this innovative model. By signing onto this letter, HCAF demonstrates its commitment to advancing home-based care and advocating for policies that strengthen providers and improve patient care options.

Click here to read the full letter.