[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      INTRODUCTION OF THE HOME HEALTH CARE PROTECTION ACT OF 2000

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                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, this week I introduced the Home Health Care 
Protection Act of 2000, H.R. 5303, the companion bill to the Senate 
version introduced by Senator Jeffords. This bill will clarify the 
definition of ``homebound'' and improve the lives of millions of 
Americans who are confined to the home as well as their caregivers.
  In my own family, my mother who was afflicted with Alzheimer's 
Disease was confined to the home for over eight years. My father was 
her caregiver. I was awed by his utter devotion and dedication to her 
care, day in and day out. Taking care of an Alzheimer's patient is 
grueling. It's a 24 hour a day job, 7 days a week. For many caregivers 
the only break in attending to the needs of the Alzheimer's patient is 
through adult day care services. Adult day care not only provides 
therapy for the Alzheimer's patient but a desperately needed break for 
the caregiver.
  But, Mr. Speaker, the unfortunate truth is that Medicare 
beneficiaries are unable to attend adult day care without losing their 
home health benefits because of a narrow interpretation of the Medicare 
law. Alzheimer's patients may not attend adult day care without losing 
their home health benefits even though we know that adult day care 
services are a complement to home health benefits, relieve caregiver 
burdens and delay nursing home placement--all at zero cost to the 
Medicare program.
  However, yesterday in the Commerce Committee we took a step toward 
correcting this situation--a victory was won for Alzheimer's patients 
and their caregivers. The BBA give-back package which was passed out of 
Committee unanimously by voice vote included language clarifying the 
``homebound'' definition in the law allowing for Medicare beneficiaries 
with Alzheimer's disease who are confined to the home to attend adult 
day care services without losing their home health benefits.
  While we took a step in addressing this important issue with respect 
to Alzheimer's patient's broader language to encompass ALL 
beneficiaries who are confined to the home was not included by the 
Chairman's mark. Furthermore, this language will not allow any 
beneficiaries who are confined to the home to attend religious 
services, or to take a slow, arduous walk around the block, or to 
attend once in a lifetime events like a granddaughter's graduation, or 
a grandson's wedding.
  Mr. Speaker, this isn't right.
  However, H.R. 5303, The Home Health Care Protection Act of 2000, is 
designed to correct this flaw. H.R. 5303, is the companion bill to the 
Senate version introduced by Senator Jeffords. It further clarifies the 
``homebound'' definition to allow for those who have had the misfortune 
of an illness which confines them to the home, to attend a graduation, 
to go to their place of worship and to attend adult day care services.
  It's time we clarify the definition of ``homebound'' in the Medicare 
law. Homebound beneficiaries should be free to leave the home under 
special circumstances without fear of losing their home health 
benefits. It's only right, Mr. Speaker. Americans who are confined to 
their homes deserve better. We can and should do more for them. Making 
the Home Health Care Protection Act of 2000 the law of the land will do 
just that.

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