Sooner or later, the aging process affects daily living. Some may require assistance with nutrition, basic hygiene or health care. As American society ages, the demand for these services is growing greatly. To save costs and allow people to enjoy the comfort of their own homes longer, the health care delivery system is changing with the times. While hospitalization and nursing home stays remain available for emergency and 24-hour care needs, home health care services fill a critical role for today's older citizens.
Home care provides a cost-effective choice for quality care.
In Iowa, hundreds of home health care providers serve a growing population of older citizens. Two of the nation's health insurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid, primarily pay for these services. Medicare serves Americans age 65 and older. Medicaid kicks in for those who can't afford health insurance. The utilization and cost of Medicare's home health benefit has grown exponentially in recent years.