The measure, which LeadingAge strongly supports, was referred to both the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.
If passed, the legislation would:
- Expand Medicare beneficiaries care options by adding skilled nursing, rehabilitation and social services in a Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center.
- Allow patients who qualify for home health services or nursing homes under Medicare to use a Medicare Certified adult day services center as an option for care. It does not expand eligibility. It simply allows qualified patients to choose a Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center.
- Save Medicare dollars, cover more services.
- Not expand the number of people using Medicare services. Eligibility to use the services in a Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center is the same as the eligibility criteria for Medicare certified home health.
- Require Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center to meet the standards of nationally recognized accrediting agencies.
- Require Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center services to be ordered by a physician who approves the plan of care.
Adult day health programs are already providing skilled care through Medicaid and Medicaid waivers. The diversity of services provided in adult day centers are critical for frail older adults and persons with disabilities to obtain the holistic, person-centered services that meet their individual care needs.
The legislation also recognizes the importance of adult day services as a means of reducing the stress on caregivers. Please contact your members of the U.S. House of Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.
The bill currently has 6 co-sponsors.