[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SUPPORT OF HOME HEALTH CARE

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                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
home health care providers and care givers. As we look for ways to 
ensure that Medicare remains solvent in the years to come and continues 
to provide affordable, quality health care to our nation's seniors, it 
is important to highlight those initiatives that are currently working 
well and saving money for the program.
  Studies have shown that home health care services have saved Medicare 
$2.8 billion dollars over three years. This is because it is often less 
expensive to care for Medicare beneficiaries in their own homes than a 
skilled nursing facility or hospital setting. Further, quality care at 
home can prevent these more costly and intrusive interventions in the 
first place, as well as prevent repeat hospitalizations.
  Home health care also provides a more convenient and comfortable 
standard of living both for those receiving care and their families. 
The advantage of being home with your loved ones can make the world of 
difference in positive health outcomes. This is particularly important 
in rural areas like many parts of my district, where there often are 
fewer providers and choices when it comes to nursing care.
  As we work to find cost savings, it is important to keep in mind that 
home health care providers deliver quality, effective health care to 
our seniors and helps to keep Medicare costs down.

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