Higher Gas Equals Lower Healthcare

 

Home health care providers are already buckling under the difference between what they are reimbursed by insurance companies and government-run agencies like Medicare or Medicaid.  Now the rise in gasoline prices may just put them under.

 

A home health care nurse or therapist must travel from house to house daily to care for their patients.  Even with a carefully planned schedule, it is not uncommon for them to drive 30 miles a day or more.  These caregivers file Expense Reports for expenses, including mileage.  At the current Federal mileage rate of 50.5 cents per mile, it doesn't take long for the money to pile up.

 

So what if a home health agency gets $60-70 for a home visit?  Well, they are really beginning to need $100-150 to remain viable.  Well the money isn't there to reimburse these agencies, so we all better start talking to our politicians about the ramifications that are just around the corner.