PA Homecare Association kicks off Annual Conference: Homecare advocates speak about the importance of re-balancing the healthcare system to ensure care to the citizens of...(line costs. The Commonwealth has incr...),Health

The Commonwealth has increased the payment for home health care Medicaid recipients just once in the past 16 years. The current Medicaid reimbursement rate is $77, while the actual average cost per home visit is $118 - a $41 loss every time a nurse provides care to a patient.

Another key issue is under-spending on a health care program targeted senior citizens utilizing a Medicaid waiver.

Governor Rendell has made increased use of home care services a key part of his health care reform initiatives. He is expected Friday to focus on the work of the Chronic Care Management Commission established in 2007. Rendell is scheduled to speak at 11:00 Friday, May 16.

The conference is being held at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 and will have speakers and events scheduled through Friday afternoon.

For a complete schedule of speakers and events, please visit http://www.pahomecare.org/PHA_conference_handout.pdf.