The cost of home health care in Maryland is rising faster than across the nation, but overall the expense for in-home aids has stayed relatively flat, according to a survey released Tuesday. The Genworth Financial Inc. survey found that Maryland’s rates have climbed four percent over the last five years, compared to the two percent growth in national rates for non-medical care services offered by aides, like bathing, dressing and assistance with moving around. Nancy Miller, an associate professor of public policy and an affiliate professor at the Erickson School of Aging Studies, said Medicare coverage would generally not allow for a year of care, so patients would need to pay for the services out-of-pocket.
“I’m just not sure how many people would use home health care and use it for a year,” she said. “There aren’t that many people who are going to use home health care 44 hours a week.”
The article ran in the Maryland Daily Record on Tuesday, April 27, and can only be viewed by subscribers.
umbcinsightsweekly.wordpress.com 