Did you know that nearly 12 million people across the U.S. rely on home health care? Odds are that you or someone you know has received health care in their home. Studies suggest that patients recover more quickly at home because they are not susceptible to life-threatening infections and other complications that occur in 20 percent of hospital patients. Home health care has a proven track record in managing chronic conditions and reducing emergency room visits and hospital readmissions.

The demand for home health care is only going to increase as 78 million Baby Boomers approach retirement age. Studies indicate they will experience higher rates of chronic illness. Currently, twelve percent of Americans with chronic illnesses are responsible for 75 percent of health care costs in the United States. That percentage will grow exponentially as millions of Baby Boomers age.

Home health care combines efficiency and compassion with the latest in health care technology. It encourages independence for seniors and those living with chronic health conditions all while keeping families together. It is cost-effective and saves Medicare and Medicaid millions of dollars a year. A home care visit costs Medicare a tenth of the cost of a one-day hospital stay.

Home health care is one of the few areas that show an increase in demand for jobs. From 1993 to 2007, home care employment grew an average of 5.4 percent annually. And home health care is currently providing thousands of new jobs for American workers at a time when our economic crisis is causing so many people to lose their jobs.

But the future of home health care is in danger.

Some members of Congress are proposing $13.2 billion in Medicare home health budget cuts over the next five years. These budget cuts would make it extremely difficult for agencies that provide home health and hospice care to keep their doors open.

It would be even more devastating for non-profit agencies, like the VNA of Hanover & Spring Grove, who provide care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. The economic crisis has more than doubled the amount of charity and underfunded care we have provided in the last four years. In 2004, the VNA provided nearly $250,000 of charity and underfunded care. In 2008, the cost was nearly $680,000. Clearly, there are people in our area who need home health care services in order to live their life to the fullest. With the proposed budget cuts, the future of agencies like the VNA could be uncertain.

If you have experienced the benefits of home health care, we encourage you to contact your local member of Congress. Let them know how home health care has helped you or someone you love. Let them know that community-based home health agencies will not be able to easily survive in the wake of the proposed budget cuts. The VNA of Hanover & Spring Grove has served southwestern York County and Adams County for 100 years and we plan to be here in another 100 years. We have always relied on the support and generosity of the community to continue our mission of providing care to people regardless of their ability to pay, and we appreciate your support now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Linda Baile, President & CEO
VNA of Hanover & Spring Grove