WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas have introduced legislation to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens recovering from hospitalization.

The Choose Home Care Act expands opportunities for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries recovering from hospitalization to receive post-hospital care in their own homes. When utilized, home health providers can excel at providing high-quality health care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

“I am proud to join Congressman Cuellar in introducing bipartisan legislation to provide Medicare beneficiaries with more options to receive post-hospitalization care in the place most comforting to them - their own homes,” Congressman Comer said. “Medicare’s existing home health benefit doesn’t always offer the services necessary to ensure the best care for patients, which is what our bill seeks to change. Our proposal is safe, cost-effective, and will enhance the quality of life of senior citizens who would rather receive care in a familiar home setting.”

The legislation would significantly expand the existing Medicare home health benefit, allowing qualifying beneficiaries choice of care setting and ultimately enabling more beneficiaries to return directly to their homes after release from the hospital. To enable a safe transition from hospital to home, the expanded home care service would provide up to 24-hour care and medical supervision for as much as 360 hours over a 30-day episode.

“Seniors deserve the best health care possible. After hospitalization, people are often most comfortable in their homes," said Congressman Cuellar. “Medicare needs to allow individuals the freedom to make the healthcare decisions best for them, including recovery in their homes. With just 27 nursing homes in my district, allowing my constituents the option of home care keeps them closer to loved ones and safer from infectious diseases. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to support legislation that improves the healthcare and quality of life of my constituents. I thank Representative Comer for working with me on this important bill.”

The legislation was recently introduced in the House with 14 bipartisan co-sponsors. A similar Senate bill has likewise been introduced with support from Democrats and Republicans.

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