Lawmakers Urge Swift Action on Home Health Demo
Democratic lawmakers are pushing the Obama administration to launch a Medicare home health demonstration as soon as possible.
The new health reform law includes the Independence at Home program, but lawmakers warn that waiting too long to initiate the program could threaten the health of one of the country’s most vulnerable populations: the elderly. They are hoping for a target launch of six months.
Under the three-year demonstration project, people with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease would have primary care provided in their home by teams of providers directed by physicians and nurse practitioners.
Seniors with chronic conditions account for 85 percent of Medicare spending and often receive disjointed and badly managed care through the current Medicare system, according the Congressional Quarterly.
Organizations that contract to participate are held accountable for producing 5 percent savings in the cost of the beneficiaries’ care, but at the same time improving the quality of care and satisfying family members and caregivers. In return, the organization gets a share of the savings beyond 5 percent.
Posted on 07.20.10



