Preventive Home Visit Act
Summary
The Preventive Home Visit Act aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage for preventive home visits under Medicare. These visits, conducted by qualified professionals, would assess the home environment, identify health risks, and provide referrals for interventions or home modifications. The visits are limited to once every two years and can be conducted in person, remotely, or a combination of both.
Expected Effects
The act would expand Medicare coverage to include preventive home visits, potentially improving health outcomes for beneficiaries. It also establishes a bundled payment system for these visits, managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The changes would be effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Health Outcomes: Early identification of health risks and appropriate interventions can lead to better health management for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Fall Prevention: Home assessments can identify and mitigate fall risks, reducing injuries and hospitalizations.
- Enhanced Nutrition: Referrals for nutritional support can improve dietary habits and overall health.
- Cost Savings: Preventing health issues through early intervention may reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- Flexibility: The option for remote visits increases accessibility for beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Spending: Expanding coverage will likely increase Medicare expenditures.
- Administrative Burden: Establishing and managing the bundled payment system will require administrative resources.
- Potential for Fraud: The new coverage area could be susceptible to fraudulent billing practices.
- Workforce Capacity: Ensuring an adequate supply of qualified professionals to conduct home visits may be challenging.
- Limited Frequency: Visits are limited to once every two years, which may not be sufficient for all beneficiaries.
Constitutional Alignment
The Preventive Home Visit Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The act falls under Congress's power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and social security.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).