A bill to expand Medicare beneficiaries care options by adding skilled nursing, rehabilitation and social services in a Medicare Certified Adult Day Services Center was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

The Medicare Adult Day Services Act of 2017 recognizes the benefits of adult day services and its impact on reducing stress on caregivers. 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, but 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.