Hospital at Home (HaH) is just as it sounds – a healthcare model that delivers hospital-level care to patients in their own homes. This approach is designed for patients who require acute care but are stable enough to be treated outside of a traditional hospital setting. The HaH model aims to reduce hospital admission and healthcare costs while ensuring comparable patient outcomes. It also enhances the overall patient experience by providing personalized care in a familiar environment.
The key components of HaH include advanced remote monitoring technology, regular home visits by healthcare professionals, and 24/7 access to medical support. While many HaH programs started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2015 US-based Mount Sinai Hospital was among the first providers to launch HaH programs. In addition to both hospitalization and remote monitoring at home, it now supports a variety of HaH services, including infusion of intravenous therapy and dialysis.
In Asia, the Singapore Ministry of Health has endorsed and supported HaH programs, including an initiative by the National University Health System dubbed Mobile Inpatient Care@Home (MIC@Home) services to provide hospital-level care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.
The HaH model has significant implications for life and health insurance. Studies on the model found three times fewer hospital admissions, 25%-40% lower cost of treatment, and a 20% reduction in mortality from acute illnesses. This means health insurers may see a decrease in claims related to hospital stays, while life insurers benefit from potentially lower mortality rates. Additionally, the positive patient feedback associated with HaH could encourage insurers to support and expand coverage for these programs.
HaH represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering a win-win solution for patients, providers, and insurers. As this model continues to evolve and gain acceptance, it has the potential to significantly impact both life and health insurance. Insurers who adapt quickly to this trend may gain a competitive edge, while policyholders could benefit from improved care and potentially lower premiums.
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