Author: Star Multicare: Stephen Sternbach, CEO
Bonnie Lawston: Law Offices of Bonnie Lawston
Fears that the resolution of the federal budget crisis might lead to significant cuts affecting home health care providers proven unfounded, as President Obama and legislators came to an agreement that, at least for now, will have no direct impact on home health care. Prior legislation had already called for $77 billion in cuts in the Medicare home health care benefit over the next ten years, and home health care industry advocates worried that additional cuts might be forthcoming. Such cuts, according to Val J. Halamandaris, president of NAHC (the National Association of Home Care and Hospice), would have made it much more difficult for home health care providers to cost-effectively offer their services, which continue to have high demand.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which resolved the “fiscal cliff” crisis, did repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act, or CLASS. In its place, Congress and President Obama established a 15 member Long Term Care Commission, which is charged with both defining the problems associated with providing long term care, and offering solutions. Those solutions would then be taken up by Congress.
Industry watchdogs caution that the fight is not over yet. The deal negotiated between the President and Congress did not address federal borrowing limits, which are expected to be reached in approximately two months. It is anticipated that there will be new legislative efforts at that time, which may include further health care cuts, particularly in light of President Obama’s call for Medicare reform as a component of future deficit reductions.
Learn More about Your Options from Star Multi Care
Star Multi Care offers a wide range of in-home health care services, from Alzheimers’ and diabetic care to post-hospitalization treatment. We also work with individuals in assisted living or other residential care facilities. For more information about the ways we can help you and your loved ones, contact us online or call our office at (877) 920-0600
Home Health Care—Legal Concerns
When you need home health care, it’s important to make certain your legal rights and interests are protected. Attorney Bonnie Lawston, in Huntington Station, has worked with seniors and their families for more than 20 years, addressing all matters related to home health care services. She advises clients and providers in New York and out of state.
Our office can provide you and your family with a wealth of information on how to best handle the home care issues facing you today and how they affect your finances now an in the future. We can give you advice on how to protect your assets based upon your current situation and what to expect for the future. Many of our parents worked very hard for what they have and they want to protect it for themselves but also for their children. We will work with you to prepare the legal documents that you need to carry out your desires and maximize your family’s inheritance. We prepare all the necessary documents such as living wills, health care proxies and other directives including funeral arrangements, power of attorney documents, Wills and Trusts. We will explain the advantages and disadvantages to you. Allow the “Law” in Lawston to work for you.