Congresswoman Kelly Bill Recognizes Necessity For Full Medicare Update For Home Health Agencies, USA

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 19 Oct 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Association for Homecare today praised Congresswoman Sue Kelly (R-N.Y. 19th) for agreeing to introduce a Sense of Congress resolution that recognizes the critical need for home health agencies to receive their annual market update in 2007 and each subsequent year. 

  Rep. Kelly recognizes the need for home health agencies to receive their full update as mandated by Medicare law - something that has not occurred in seven of the past nine years - to help them respond to the higher cost of transportation in recent years, to provide resources so they can integrate health information technology into operations, and to recruit and retain skilled nurses and therapists.

  "We are grateful that Congresswoman Kelly recognizes the importance of accurate reimbursement and the valuable role that homecare plays in the fabric of our nation's healthcare system," said Todd Brason, Chief Executive Officer of WILLCARE, Buffalo, New York, and Vice Chair of the American Association for Homecare. "Her leadership in introducing this bill will help ensure continued access to home health care, and the American Association for Homecare and its members look forward to working with Congresswoman Kelly and her colleagues in seeing this legislation enacted."  

  The Congresswoman has said the she will introduce her bill as soon as Congress returns to Washington after the November elections.  The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 eliminated the 2.8 percent home health update that went into effect on January 1, 2006.  Home health agencies are currently scheduled to receive an update of 3.1 percent on January 1, 2007, and Rep. Kelly's bill will protect this inflation adjustment.  Home health nurses, therapists, and aides today can provide every service short of surgery to patients in their place of residence.  Home health care is clinically effective and also the most cost-effective and consumer-preferred modality of care.

  The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) represents every line of service in the homecare community, including home health and home medical equipment providers, respiratory and infusion therapy, telemedicine, rehab and assistive technology, and hospice. With more than 4,000 member locations, AAHomecare delivers value for each healthcare dollar and advances quality healthcare services where patients prefer to receive them - at home.

  American Association for Homecare
625 Slaters Lane, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314  703-535-1881
http://www.aahomecare.org

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