AVON, Ohio — As Ohio welcomes two new U.S. senators next year and faces a rapidly changing political climate, the Ohio Home Care and Hospice Council joins home health advocates from across the country. We will work together to issue a bipartisan appeal to elected officials and legislators. Representatives in Washington: Protecting the health and dignity of our aging population and ensuring that Ohio’s seniors and the nation’s most vulnerable citizens receive the care they need.
Ohioans enrolled in Medicare Advantage who fail to receive prescribed home health care are 42% more likely to die. Within 30 days after hospitalization compared to people receiving prescribed treatment, studies show. This heartbreaking statistic highlights the life-or-death importance of accessible home health care and the need to raise awareness to align Medicare Advantage policies with standard Medicare coverage levels.
Dr. Steven Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home, said poignantly: “If a drug or vaccine had this tendency toward mortality, restricting access would be considered immoral.” states. The same standards must be applied to home health care.
Congress needs to act urgently in 2025.
Reversal of Medicare home health cost cuts: Cuts planned for 2025 threaten to destabilize an already fragile system. Reduce redemptions by nearly 2%This is expected to result in an estimated loss of more than $12 million in Ohio alone and more than $375 million nationally. Such cuts undermine the ability to meet the needs of elderly and homebound people whose livelihoods depend on available skilled home health care. Congress also needs to ensure that Medicare reimbursements are adjusted to account for rising health care labor costs, which have skyrocketed over the past five years.
· Increase Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates: To prevent seniors from facing gaps in coverage, Medicare Advantage must mandate reimbursement for home health services on par with traditional Medicare. Currently, Medicare Advantage only covers about 50% of Medicare home health charges.
· Expand training and workforce efforts: Integrating training focused on home care into nursing programs will better prepare the workforce to provide the care Ohio needs. can.
· Simplify access and reduce administrative burden: Lawmakers seek to reduce red tape that delays or denies home health services for older adults, especially those with complex and chronic conditions. Must be.
· Monitoring and publishing impact data: Congress should require transparency in the Medicare Advantage program to better inform the public about the impact of service denials and delays and to promote reforms where necessary.
The reality is that too many Ohioans are already without essential home health care. It is concerning that many beneficiaries, especially those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, are unable to receive prescribed home health care services. We need to fix this, not make it worse.
Lisa von Lehmden is executive director of the Ohio Home Care and Hospice Council, a nonprofit organization representing the interests of home health care providers in Ohio.Presented by the Ohio Home Care and Hospice Council
Let’s make 2025 the year that Ohio’s new U.S. Senate and Congress rally behind our predecessors and protect the dignity, health, and safety of the people who built our communities.
We hope you will join us as we meet growing demand and protect access to high-quality, accessible, compassionate care that protects Ohio’s seniors.
Now, more than ever, it’s time to show that we care.
Lisa von Lehmden is executive director of the Ohio Home Care and Hospice Council, a nonprofit organization representing the interests of home health care providers in Ohio.
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