On December 20, 2011, CMS announced that it is seeking applications for the Independence at Home Demonstration (IAH Demonstration). The IAH Demonstration will measure the cost effectiveness and quality of primary services by physicians and nurse practitioners provided in the homes of chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries. Among the goals of the Demonstration is to test whether inhome primary care services reduce hospitalizations, hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. CMS also hopes that the Demonstration will increase access to care, improve patient satisfaction and promote care that matches beneficiary preferences. Those eligible practices interested in participating must complete and submit an application or letter of intent (LOI), as discussed below, by Monday, February 6, 2012.

Eligible Beneficiaries

Under the IAH Demonstration, Medicare beneficiaries will receive care in their homes rather than in physician offices or facilities. The practices are responsible for reporting to CMS eligible patient caseloads, as well as identifying newly eligible or new beneficiaries in the practice by checking claims data and medical records. Applicable beneficiaries for this Demonstration must meet the following requirements...