American Geriatrics Society Supports Senate And House Bills Addressing Medicare Future And Chronic Care

[Guest guest]

American Geriatrics Society Supports Senate And House Bills Addressing Medicare

Future And Chronic Care

18 May 2007

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) commends Senate Special Committee on Aging

members Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark) and (R-Maine), and Representatives

Gene Green (D-Texas) and Fred Upton (R-Mich) for the bipartisan legislation

introduced this week in Congress that would improve the health and quality of

life of millions of seniors who benefit from Medicare.

AGS worked closely with the House and Senate sponsors to ensure that the

legislation (S. 1340 and H.R.2244) reflects the needs of seniors with chronic

conditions. Currently, 20% of Medicare beneficiaries have five or more chronic

conditions and account for 70% of Medicare spending. The AGS believes that

geriatric assessment and care coordination services are essential in the care of

these older adults. The legislation, known as the Geriatric Assessment and

Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007, will create a patient centered approach

under Medicare that will benefit patients with multiple chronic conditions and

lower their health utilization rates.

Specifically, the Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007

would authorize Medicare coverage of two services that many seniors currently

lack. The first is a geriatric assessment, which is a comprehensive evaluation

of an individual's condition and a plan to keep the person healthy. The second

service the Act authorizes is coordination of medical care for individuals who

have multiple chronic conditions, including dementia.

On May 9, 2007, testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, AGS

President Todd P. Semla, PharmD, noted, " providers have increasingly recognized

the need for care coordination to properly manage the health of individuals with

complex and multiple chronic health conditions. Care coordination puts the

patient at the center of care. " Dr. Semla went on to state: " the bill's

establishment of a geriatric assessment and chronic care coordination benefit

under Medicare's fee-for-service program will improve the care received by the

frailest and most vulnerable patients in the Medicare population. It also will

improve the lives of family caregivers by providing them the resources to better

care for their parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. "

The AGS is pleased with the continued dedication to the health needs of older

adults shown by Senators Lincoln and and Representatives Green and

Upton. Studies show that care coordination raises the quality of care, improves

health outcomes and reduces health care costs for individuals with chronic

conditions. This means fewer hospital visits are needed, duplicative services or

appointments are eliminated, and sudden health crises are avoided. When a

comprehensive geriatric assessment is combined with coordinated care, studies

have shown even better outcomes. The Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care

Coordination Act will improve the health and quality of life for older adults.

ABOUT THE AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit

association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the

health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society

supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and

public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over

6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in

shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.

ABOUT THE FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as

a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in

Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care

professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their

special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and

independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions

initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that

advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy

makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults;

support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality

of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates

for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better

care of their older loved ones and themselves.

www.americangeriatrics.org

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=71336