[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 126 (Wednesday, September 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HOME HEALTHCARE CAN HELP LOWER COSTS, IMPROVE RESULTS

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                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, the Census Bureau currently estimates that 
our nation's elderly population will double between 2000 and 2050. And 
in my home state of North Carolina, the elderly population is growing 
much faster than the national average. As our population ages, a rising 
number of baby boomers will become susceptible to one or more chronic 
health conditions that will cost our Medicare system billions of 
dollars. At the same time, our citizens age 65 and over have expressed 
an overwhelming preference to live independently at home for as long as 
possible, among family and friends.
  What is the solution? Since the elderly population overwhelmingly 
prefers to receive their healthcare at home and since such treatment is 
much more cost effective, our government should be investing in home 
healthcare.
  Today, home healthcare is more than just basic, long-term care. It is 
much more advanced and sophisticated. Highly skilled nurses and 
therapists are already working within the existing Medicare system to 
help patients manage heart disease, diabetes, balance problems and 
other illnesses that, if not properly treated, can increase the cost to 
Medicare. Home health is helping many of these people stay out of 
expensive alternatives, and is allowing our seniors to remain at home 
where they ought to be.
  With a rising older population, home healthcare programs that improve 
care, save money and are preferred by constituents are closely aligned 
with the government's objectives for health reform. Yet, provisions in 
the Democrat draft healthcare bill would cut $51 billion from the 
Medicare home health program over the next decade. These reductions 
will have a detrimental effect on access to home care for our elderly 
population and could potentially cost Medicare more by forcing people 
unnecessarily into other facility based care.
  For these reasons, I believe we must oppose these cuts and lend our 
support to home healthcare.

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