Rep. Dwight Evans Questions Witnesses on Post-Acute Care Costs and Medicaid's Role

The Complexity and Cost of Post-Acute Care

• ⚠️ Post-acute care is described as very expensive across all its forms.
• 🧠 Those receiving post-acute care often have even more complex cases.

Medicaid's Essential Role in Care Provision

• 💡 Medicaid is highlighted as an essential provision for individuals to receive necessary care.
• 🏥 It is crucial for providing care in nursing facilities, intensive care settings, and for ongoing long-term assistance at home.
• 🤝 For many, Medicaid works in conjunction with Medicare to cover medical, physician, and hospital care, as well as necessary long-term care.

Medicare Limitations and Medicaid Reliance

• 📊 It's noted that even Medicare beneficiaries often rely on Medicaid for post-acute needs.
• 📌 Medicare does not cover nursing facility care without a qualifying hospital stay, among other limitations.
• 🔑 For older adults and adults with disabilities unable to pay privately, Medicaid is the only program that covers their long-term service and support needs.
• 🎯 60% of individuals receiving Medicaid-funded long-term care are Medicare beneficiaries, underscoring the integrated nature of these programs for many.