Tim Rogers posted on October 15, 2009 13:10
Duke Hospital, one of the most respected medical centers in the nation, has a new program that cuts health care costs with a novel use of ‘Home Care.’
Recently a University of California study has demonstrated how Home Care reduces health care costs: By keeping elderly people in their homes and out of more expensive Nursing Homes, by reducing the number of Emergency Room visits, hospital stays - and now with ‘Home Infusion Therapy.’
For years Medicaid has had a bias in favor of institutional care – for instance, by law states must provide Nursing Home Care but not Home Care. But today that’s changing – as part of a new Medicaid program twenty-nine states are embracing Home Care to improve the quality of care, reduce costs – and make patients happier.
Unfortunately, our state’s Medicaid policy remains tilted in favor of sending patients to Nursing Homes. In fact, the state just cut rates to Home Care providers, saying it would save money. But, in fact, the state is being ‘penny-wise and pound-foolish.’ Cutting Home Care rates means fewer providers, which means more patients have no choice but to go into Nursing Homes for care – which costs a lot more. It also means more ER visits. And more hospital stays. All of which lead to higher – not lower – health care costs.
It doesn't make sense: Other states are moving people out of Nursing Homes, back into their own homes - while our state can't move people into Nursing Homes fast enough.