The Hospital-at-Home (HaH) model, allowing patients to receive hospital-level care in their own homes, has been temporarily reinstated by Congress through January 2026. This follows a lapse in funding that disrupted care for patients, forcing many back into traditional hospital settings despite the proven benefits of in-home treatment. The revival underscores a growing recognition of HaH’s value in a strained healthcare system, though long-term sustainability remains uncertain.
The Urgent Need for HaH
For years, HaH has been gaining traction as a solution to hospital overcrowding and a means of providing more comfortable, effective care. The program allows patients with conditions typically requiring hospitalization—heart failure, infections, pneumonia—to receive treatment at home, monitored by healthcare professionals. This not only reduces strain on hospitals but also improves patient outcomes by minimizing exposure to hospital-acquired infections and allowing for a more personalized care experience.
The recent lapse in funding highlighted the system’s reliance on HaH. As Dr. Jared Conley, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, notes, “Patients often ask, ‘Doc, when can I go home?’ That is the constant refrain.” The disruption forced patients like Dr. Conley himself, who experienced a foot infection, back into overnight hospital stays despite being better suited for home-based treatment.
How HaH Works: Beyond Convenience
HaH isn’t simply about comfort; it’s about delivering hospital-level care outside the hospital walls. Programs provide oxygen support, cardiac monitoring, IV fluids, medications, lab tests, and even physical therapy, all within the patient’s home. The model’s success hinges on advanced monitoring technologies and integrated care teams that ensure patient safety and rapid intervention if complications arise.
The benefits extend beyond clinical outcomes. HaH reduces hospital readmission rates, lowers costs, and frees up hospital beds for patients who truly require inpatient care. Perhaps most importantly, it allows clinicians to gain a deeper understanding of a patient’s life, including their social determinants of health, leading to more targeted and effective care plans.
The Road Ahead: Scaling and Sustainability
Despite its proven benefits, HaH faces ongoing challenges. The biggest hurdle is securing long-term funding and legislative support. Uncertainty around reimbursement models discourages hospitals from investing in the infrastructure needed to scale the program.
Another barrier is shifting cultural norms. Both patients and clinicians may initially hesitate to embrace a model that moves care outside traditional hospital settings. However, as Dr. Conley points out, “Patients tell us, ‘Thank you so much for coming to my house.’” This appreciation reinforces the value of a more patient-centered approach.
The Future of In-Home Acute Care
As the population ages and healthcare systems strain under increasing demand, HaH is poised to become an increasingly vital component of care delivery. The model offers a sustainable solution to overcrowding, reduces costs, and improves patient outcomes.
The current reinstatement through January 2026 is a step in the right direction, but long-term authorization is essential. With continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and legislative support, Hospital-at-Home can revolutionize acute care, making it safer, more efficient, and more patient-centered. The data are clear: for many, the future of healthcare is at home
