Government shutdown ends Medicare home care program in Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The government shutdown has ended funding for a Medicare program that allows hospitals to provide inpatient-level care to patients at home, forcing Missouri hospitals to discharge participants.

The Acute Hospital Care at Home program enables certain Medicare-certified hospitals to treat patients with inpatient-level care in their homes rather than hospital facilities.

Funding for the program lapsed when the government shut down. Since Sept. 30, hospitals with waivers for the program have discharged patients, who have returned to traditional hospital care.

“It is everybody’s effort to keep people at home, because it saves everyone money in the long run,” said Kevin Rusenstrom with SeniorAge in Springfield. “But, at the same time, we have to look at the issues of safety and the concern for that and keeping them safe at home, so they don’t have repeat hospital visits, and things along that line.”

The program started during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce hospital capacity pressures while maintaining quality care.

The shutdown creates financial challenges for families seeking alternative care options.

“You have to look at the financial situation of each family member that can go through that, and if you are private paying at an assisted living or nursing home, that cost is so much higher,” Rusenstrom said.

Southwest Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday morning and issued a statement addressing the shutdown’s impact.

Healthcare providers express confusion about funding status and future operations.

“All of the ins and outs of what is being funded and not being funded is just a gobbledygook mess at the moment,” said Heidi Lucas with the Missouri Rural Health Association. “And our providers are confused and hoping they will be back paid after, and it is just one thing after another.”

Rural health advocates encourage Missourians to contact federal legislators about ending the shutdown.

“Just be patient whenever you go to a hospital, it is really hard right now,” Lucas said. “Contact your legislature at the federal level and let them know the shutdown needs to end so we can get back to business as normal within our communities.”

Families needing assistance locating healthcare resources can contact SeniorAge to discuss available programs and options.

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