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Medicare support for home health care faces challenges.
The Medicare program was born out of necessity in 1965. Throughout the 50's and into the '60's it was becoming apparent that older Americans were facing a health care crisis. Social Security alone could not protect them from the financial burdens caused by the high cost of health care. Medicare was established as a social insurance program designed to provide all older adults with comprehensive health care coverage at an affordable cost.
The Medicare home health benefit started in 1966 and has provided coverage to homebound Medicare beneficiaries who need care on a part-time or intermittent basis. Medicare home care users tend to be older, sicker, poorer and more disabled than the general Medicare population.
Medicare is the largest single payer of home care services. Home care is a cost-effective service, not only for individuals recuperating from a hospital stay but also for those who are unable to take care of themselves. However, it should be noted that cost-effectiveness is not the only rationale for home care. In fact, the best argument for home care is that it is a humane and compassionate way to deliver health care and supportive services. An aging population and a shortage of medical staff will challenge both the home care industry and family caregivers in the near future. Adequate funding through Medicare will be critical for many as health care costs increase. Legislators and home care advocates will need to have an ongoing and constructive dialogue to keep Medicare focused on the purpose for which it was originally founded.
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