Charleston, South Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Renee Kahn, an 80-year-old woman from Charleston, shared her experience with the Hospital-at-Home program that allowed her to receive treatment for a serious blood infection at home. The program, which is popular nationwide, faces potential funding cuts that could halt its current Medicare reimbursement by September 1. As U.S. Senator Tim Scott pushes for legislation to secure the program through 2030, advocates highlight its positive impact on patient comfort and recovery.
Charleston, South Carolina – An 80-year-old woman, Renee Kahn, recently shared her experience with a Hospital-at-Home care program that allowed her to receive treatment for a serious blood infection in the comfort of her own home, raising concerns about the program’s uncertain future funding. Kahn preferred staying at home while receiving continuous intravenous (IV) treatment, benefitting from round-the-clock medical observation and nurse visits provided by Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
The Hospital-at-Home program, which has seen increased popularity across the nation, is at risk of losing its current Medicare reimbursement, potentially ending as early as September 1 unless legislative measures are enacted to extend or make the program permanent. Originally launched in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative aimed to alleviate the pressure on hospital bed space by offering hospital-level care at home.
As of late July 2025, the U.S. is home to 409 Hospital-at-Home programs across 39 states, including options in South Carolina through Roper, Prisma Health, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Research indicates that patients receiving care at home report higher satisfaction and have lower mortality rates compared to their hospital-bound counterparts.
Renee Kahn’s medical journey began in May 2025 when she sought emergency care for severe abdominal pain, later diagnosed as pancreatic cancer that obstructed a bile duct. Following chemotherapy treatment, she experienced severe chills leading to a diagnosis of a blood infection. Thanks to the Hospital-at-Home program, Kahn was able to continue her treatment at home with remote monitoring technology and bi-daily visits from healthcare nurses, which provided a more comfortable setting for her recovery.
Upon returning home, Kahn expressed that the hospital environment felt like “solitary confinement,” which significantly affected her ability to relax. The healthcare staff at Roper aided her family in setting up necessary monitoring equipment and maintaining communication for ongoing support.
The Kahn family is advocating for the continuation of the Hospital-at-Home program, highlighting the positive outcomes observed during Renee’s treatment as a compelling argument for the program’s necessary permanence. Recently, U.S. Senator Tim Scott introduced legislation aimed at authorizing Hospital-at-Home care through 2030, which has received bipartisan support.
Implications of Funding Uncertainty
The potential expiration of Medicare reimbursement poses a critical challenge to the future of the Hospital-at-Home initiative. If the current funding is not extended, many patients like Kahn could face a return to traditional hospitalization, which has implications for patient comfort and overall healthcare outcomes.
Background of Hospital-at-Home Care
The Hospital-at-Home program was conceived to free up essential bed space during a healthcare crisis and has evolved into a viable alternative for many patients| needing intensive care. By delivering high-quality healthcare services directly to patients’ homes, the program aligns with growing trends toward personalized care models while addressing systemic challenges in healthcare resource allocation.
Key Features of Hospital-at-Home Programs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Patient Comfort | Patients receive care in their own homes, reducing feelings of isolation. |
| 24/7 Monitoring | Continuous medical observation and nurse visits ensure patient safety. |
| Medicare Reimbursement | Current funding faces expiration, impacting the program’s sustainability. |
| Legislative Support | Recent bipartisan support may lead to extended authorization through 2030. |
FAQs
What is the Hospital-at-Home program?
It is a healthcare initiative that allows patients to receive hospital-level care in their own homes, including remote monitoring and nurse visits.
What are the benefits of the Hospital-at-Home program?
Patients report higher satisfaction and lower mortality rates when receiving care at home compared to traditional hospitalization.
Why is the future of the program uncertain?
There is potential expiration of Medicare reimbursement for the program, placing its continuation at risk unless new legislation is passed.
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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
