Care News: Friday, November 4, 2011
A New Day for Health Care in America
On September 23, 2010 new reforms under the Affordable Care Act begin to bring to an end some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry. These reforms will give Americans new rights and benefits, including helping more children get health coverage, ending lifetime and most annual limits on care, and giving patients access to recommended preventive services without cost-sharing.
These reforms will apply to all new health plans, and to many existing health plans as they are renewed. Many other new benefits of the law have already taken effect, including rebate checks for seniors in the Medicare donut hole and tax credits for small businesses. And more rights, protections and benefits for Americans are on the way now through 2014.
The Affordable Care Act protects existing guaranteed Medicare benefits and adds new benefits
The new law strengthens Medicare, reduces fraud, and closes the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the ‘donut hole.’ In 2018, seniors can expect to save on average almost $200 per year in premiums and over $200 per year in coinsurance compared to what they would have paid without the new law. The Affordable Care Act also takes a number of steps that improve health care for people with Medicare.
Source: healthcare.gov
Community Based Services Overview: (For Patients)
Depending on your needs, you may be able to get help with your personal activities
(for example, help with the laundry, bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning) at
home from family members, friends, or volunteers. If you think you need home care,
talk to your family to see if they can help with care or help arrange for someone
to come to your home to help.
Some home care can only be given by licensed health workers, such as if you need skilled nursing care and certain other health care services that you get in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury. Skilled nursing care includes services and care that can only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse) or a licensed therapist. Remember, Medicare only pays for home care if you meet certain conditions. For more information, look at the Medicare booklet, Medicare and Home Health Care.
You can also hire a home health care agency for care in your home if Medicare doesn’t cover it. In this case, you will need to pay for this care on your own. Home care costs can vary depending on where you live, the type of care you need, and how often you need care. Usually home care is charged by the hour.
To locate home health agencies that provide services in your area, look at Home Health Compare on this web site. You can also look at the National Association for Home Care web site to get information about home care and hospice. This web site includes information on how to find a home care or hospice agency and how to prepare for care.
The following home health services may be available in your community:
Skilled nursing care
Homemaker/Health aides
Personal care aides
Respite care
Medical equipment
Home repair and modification
Hospice
Source: www.Medicare.gov
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