Homecare Association Highlights Cost-Effectiveness of Medicare and Medicaid

The American Association for Homecare announced that it disagreed with several provisions of the President's 2007 budget proposal. Among them the provision to compel the transfer of ownership of oxygen equipment to the beneficiary after on e year and the suspension of home health reimbursement are being opposed by the Association.

Commenting on their stand, Tom Ryan, Chairman of the American Association for Homecare and CEO of Homecare Concepts in Farmingdale, NY said, “Continuing cuts to homecare erode the cost-effective infrastructure of homecare that will be essential to the nation's healthcare needs especially as baby boomers near Medicare eligibility. The expected growth in number of Medicare beneficiaries and the increasing length of time they will need healthcare services should encourage policymakers to keep cost-effective care methods such as homecare in mind as they create budget policy.” Even as the Congress debates on how to make the Medicare and Medicaid programs cost-effective, the American Association for Homecare said that it would continue to work towards educating law makers on these programs. For a full list of studies with summaries, visit the American Association for Homecare at http://www.aahomecare.org. Contact American Association for Homecare 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314-1171 703-535-1881 http://www.aahomecare.org