One way that the provisions of the Affordable Care Act address the rising cost of care is by exploring new options for delivering care in a more effective and efficient way that provides the best care for the patient. Health homes or medical homes represent one of these new delivery models. A health home is a designated provider or team of providers who coordinate the patient’s treatment, which includes services, transitions to and from the hospital, support services, and referrals to other community services. Effective October 1, 2011, states will have the option to create health homes for Medicaid beneficiaries in lieu of more expensive, institutional care in nursing homes.