Please introduce the state (only during spring semesters) or federal bill you have selected to explore this semester. Make sure it is a bill in the 117th Congress that has recently been introduced or a U.S. Senate bill that you want to support or oppose. Provide the formal name and bill number (both houses if appropriate) with link(s), its sponsor(s), and the bill’s status at this time. Describe the main components of the legislation and share your rationale for selecting this policy.
Expert Solution Preview
As a medical professor, my focus is on healthcare policies that impact the lives of people. The bill I have selected to explore this semester is the Medicare at Home Act of 2021. This bill was recently introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 3447 by Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-5) and in the Senate as S. 1465 by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
The Medicare at Home Act’s main goal is to expand access to home-based primary care for older adults by providing increased payments for medical services delivered in the home. The bill aims to make it easier for older adults with chronic conditions and disabilities to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes, rather than being admitted to more expensive facilities like nursing homes. This bill also aims to address disparities in access to healthcare services for individuals living in rural and underserved areas.
The rationale behind my selection of this policy is that it addresses significant healthcare concerns faced by older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions and disabilities. The aging population of the United States is increasing, and there needs to be a focus on providing medical care that enables people to age in place with dignity. This bill could improve care quality and save significant costs on medical care, consequently reducing the financial burden on the Medicare program. It aligns with my medical field’s focus on providing patient-centered care that empowers individuals to remain independent and healthy, regardless of where they live.
