Amendment #1341 to H5500

Task Force to Scale Hospital-At-Home & Mobile Integrated Health Programs

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Ferguson of Holden, Frost of Auburn, Muradian of Grafton, Vieira of Falmouth and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION X. There shall be a task force to evaluate how hospital-at-home and mobile integrated health programs can be effectively scaled and sustainably supported within the commonwealth.

The task force shall consist of the following members: the secretary of the executive office of health and human services, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of the executive office of aging and independence, who shall serve as co-chair; the speaker of the house of representatives or a designee; the president of the senate or a designee; the house minority leader or a designee; the senate minority leader or a designee; the president of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association or a designee; and the president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans or a designee.

The task force shall conduct a study of the benefits of hospital-at-home and mobile integrated health programs, including, but not limited to: (i) how such programs benefit patients with chronic illness, complex health needs, disabilities, and older adults; (ii) the impact of such programs on emergency department wait times and admissions rates; and (iii) the financial and operational barriers to establishing such programs in the commonwealth. As part of its study, the task force shall evaluate existing programs in the commonwealth in comparison to other states and examine feasible models for paying for such programs, including appropriate reimbursement methodologies and rates.

The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including, but not limited to: (i) recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes necessary to support program expansion; (ii) proposed reimbursement methodologies, including options for coverage under MassHealth and commercial payers; (iii)  workforce and infrastructure needs necessary to support scaling; and (iv) an implementation framework, including proposed timelines for scaling such programs within the commonwealth. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate no later than January 1, 2027.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #1341 to H5500

Task Force to Scale Hospital-At-Home & Mobile Integrated Health Programs