In addition to numerous other organizations,
the American Association for Homecare
(AAH) has mobilized to make known its
opposition to the Budget Reconciliation Bill.
The AAH is comprised of home health care
professionals and those who use their
services. Although opposed to many aspects
of the bill, the two of most concern involve
(1) freezing the pay scale to the 2005 rate for
services from the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services and (2) making medical
equipment a rent-to-purchase item.
The pay scale for 2006 increased by 2.8% as
scheduled. If the bill passes, it is unclear as
to what course of action, if any, will be taken
to pay back increases already distributed.
The rent-to-purchase provision requires
ownership of oxygen equipment to be
conveyed to the recipient after 36 months.
This provision is troublesome because, once
the recipient owns the equipment, he will be
responsible for its repair, maintenance, and
service. AAH contends this shift is
dangerous to users as their lack of training in
detailed use of the units may trigger
increased calls to emergency rooms and
more hospital admissions due to incorrect
usage of oxygen.
It is also anticipated that countless
companies, some unscrupulous, will pop up
to provide these services, and because they
are unregulated, may not perform them to
the standards currently required.
Additionally, improper disposal of canisters
may become an issue for the general public
since the cylinders contain oxidizing agents
hazardous to our health.
Source: SeniorJournal.com, 1-22-06
