Home health and hospice care are vitally important services in our community, but proposed changes to Medicare reimbursement could threaten our ability to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. In 2010, 57% of our agency’s revenue came from Medicare home health and hospice reimbursements. Many of our patients rely on our services to help them sustain their healthcare needs, but cuts to Medicare reimbursement could impact the quality and scope of services we are able to offer.
According to the National Association for Homecare & Hospice (NAHC), the average Medicare hospital charges for one day amount to $6,200, while the average Medicare charge for one home healthcare visit costs $135. This data shows that home healthcare is a more cost-effective option for our healthcare system. In addition to the cost benefit, home healthcare allows patients to be more independent, comfortable, and involved with their healthcare. Cutbacks in Medicare would limit this progress.
For more information about the legislative initiatives regarding home health and hospice care, please visit the following links:
