Linda Sánchez Fights for More Care Choices for Seniors (September 24, 2012)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez(CA-39) is announcing the introduction of the "Medicare Adult Day Care ServicesAct of 2012" (H.R. 6476) which would provide more cost-effective, skilled careoptions for seniors, people with disabilities, and families in the Medicareprogram.

H.R. 6476 would allow patients who qualify for home healthservices or nursing home care under the Medicare program to choose the optionof adult day care services instead. By paying adult day care providers 98% ofthe home health rate, the "Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2012" couldalso yield savings to Medicare.

"We owe it our seniors to provide them with qualityhealth care, and they deserve to have the full range of care choices," saidCongresswoman Sánchez. "Adult day care is an importantoption for seniors who need rehabilitative care or help with daily life tasks,but don't need around-the-clock care. This legislation provides acost-effective Medicare choice by paying adult day care providers 98% of thehome health rate. This bill also provides crucial relief to familycaregivers, who often struggle to balance work and caring for their loved onesfulltime."

In addition to increasing choices for seniors and peoplewith disabilities, the "Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2012" billwould provide a vital service to family caregivers. While taking care oftheir loved ones, these caregivers lose an average of $659,139 in wages,pension benefits, and Social Security benefits over a lifetime, according tothe Family Caregiver Alliance. By providing this adult care choice toMedicare beneficiaries, H.R. 6476 helps protect a family's economic well-being,without adding to the cost of Medicare.

Congresswoman Sánchez also introduced Medicare Adult DayCare legislation in the 111^th Congress.