Abraham calls for health care reform

The 15 percent cut mandated by the 1997 Balanced Budget Act is scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2000.

This summer, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) helped introduce legislation to eliminate the cut. She traveled the state yesterday to talk about the Medicare Home Health Equity Act with Abraham, a fellow Republican. Collins said there are now 27 co-sponsors for the bill.

Both said they are optimistic that some form of the legislation will pass before Congress adjourns.

"We're really pressing our leaders that we can't go home until we get help for home health care," Collins said.

Abraham said he has been listening to constituents' concerns about the planned cuts for the past year.

He said some senators have opposed the legislation, saying that home health care costs are taking a rising amount of Medicare dollars. But Abraham said home care may actually help hospitals keep costs down.

"Home health care is not only important because it reduces the Medicare burden for hospitals, but it's also important from the standpoint of patient preference," Abraham said. "I don't know anybody who preferred to be in a hospital rather than at home."

Chism said visits from her nurse, Angela Corrigan, have helped her deal with her congestive heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac artery disease and other chronic illnesses.

"She gives me confidence because I can do what she tells me," Ms. Chism said. "Angela doesn't talk to me like she's talking Greek. She's down-to-earth and understandable."

Ms. Chism receives two visits a week for up to an hour each time.

Gregory Solecki, vice prent of home health care for Henry Ford Health System, said the Equity Act is one of the hospital's top concerns among proposed legislation.

He commended Collins for drawing bipartisan support for the proposal, saying it would ultimately help patients like Ms. Chism.

"Our main goal is to keep her out of the emergency room, out of the hospital," Solecki said. "It not only helps reduce the cost of health care, but it makes Ms. Chism happier to be at home."

Solecki said Ms. Chism's home visits cost about $100 each. A hospital stay is about $1,000.

09-21-99