Home Health & Hospice Week

The so-called super-committee appointed to propose budget cuts has begun work on its task even though it hasn't officially convened, according to press reports. And speculation is already running rampant about what, if any, Medicare cuts may be on the table. Home care providers worry that their industry, which consistently shows high average Medicare profit margins, is an easy target for cuts. But early signs are promising, says the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton (RMich.), who was appointed to the committee, "indicated at a town hall meeting this week that he does not support cutting benefits for current Medicare and Social Security recipients," NAHC cheers. Upton didn't address specifics such as home health copayments, however, NAHC admits. The committee must propose $1.5 trillion in spending cuts by Thanksgiving. If Congress doesn't adopt the cuts, a 2 percent across-the-board cut will [...]