Political Quotes

“I rise today to declare a state of emergency. Our home health care industry is suffering from drastic cuts to the Medicare reimbursement system that was done in last year's balanced budget agreement. Cuts were made to reduce fraud and abuse, but these cuts unfortunately have had unintended consequences. To date, over 1,200 home health agencies have gone out of business, and that number is expected to triple by the end of September, and these are not the high-cost agencies. Families are suffering. The new payment system for home health is so restrictive that patients who require the most expensive care will be the first to lose their care. The sickest and most feeble will be left in the cold. I have visited many families and have made many home visits over the years. I know how important it is for individuals to receive care in their own home whenever possible where they can be surrounded by family and friends who love them. We are not just talking about the elderly, we are talking about children, we are talking about the disabled, anyone who needs to be in their home and receive home health care. Home health care is a critical element of our Nation's health care safety net and that safety net is quickly unraveling as more and more patients are unable to receive care and more and more home health care agencies shut their doors.”