Public policy and current effect on home health agencies.

Home health agencies have experienced increases in funding, personnel and clientele primarily as a result of changes in federal policy which liberalizes Medicare reimbursement for home health services. These agencies are noticing an increase in elderly clientele, particularly in the 75 years and older category, and have noted that they are seeing a sicker clientele as hospitals discharge patients earlier. Those home health agencies that offer other services, however, have experienced reductions where funding is from sources other than Medicare. There is a growing reluctance on the part of home health agencies to accept Medicaid patients due to low rates of reimbursement. This raises concern for access to service for the low income population, particularly low income elderly.