AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 10, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ — The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction is fast approaching an important deadline in the effort to identify long-term cost savings for the federal budget. Some proposals under consideration would have a disproportionate impact on the home care and hospice industry and on those who receive the services.
Stakeholders are urging members of the committee, Congress and the president to maintain adequate funding for vital Medicare and Medicaid programs that support cost-effective home health, hospice and personal assistance services. They argue that by enabling those who receive these services to remain in their homes rather than be forced into more expensive settings, taxpayers will save money over time.
“Funding cuts aimed at home care and hospice programs would jeopardize the quality, affordability and accessibility of these vital services,” said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice. “This would result in significant cost increases for taxpayers by encouraging the utilization of more expensive emergency room, hospital and nursing home services.”