The United States Senate is reportedly considering a bill that would allow for an increased use of remote healthcare monitoring technologies, using funds from the federal Medicare insurance program. The Fostering Independence Through Technology (FITT) Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement pilot projects and incentivize the use of remote healthcare monitoring technologies by home health providers. The idea behind the legislation is to allow the nation’s elderly to remain in their homes and reduce hospital readmissions. Supporters of the proposed legislation also claim the law would reduce Medicare costs and lessen the need for many seniors to enter nursing homes.
Currently, about 20 percent of elderly patients who utilize Medicare are purportedly readmitted to the hospital within one-month of discharge. Recently, the Medicare program allegedly began issuing reimbursement penalties as a result of high senior readmission rates. The use of remote monitoring technologies would reportedly allow physicians and other health care professionals to monitor senior citizens from their own homes instead. If approved, the FIIT Act would allegedly create performance targets based on Medicare recipient health outcomes as well as program savings. At this time, the American Hospital Association, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, and the National Rural Health Association have expressed support for the proposed legislation.
Many elderly Illinois residents would like to spend their golden years at home. Unfortunately, remaining in the home is not always feasible due to failing health, disability, and unexpected dementia disorders. As treasured family members age or become disabled, countless Illinois families turn to nursing homes for assistance. Sadly, even the most dedicated relative will have a tough time providing around the clock care for a severely disabled family member. Skilled nursing and other long-term care facilities are required to maintain the staffing levels necessary to monitor and maintain the health and safety of patients in the institution’s care. When a nursing home fails to ensure at-risk patients are safe, the facility may be guilty of negligence. If your loved one was hurt as a result of skilled nursing facility negligence, you should contact a qualified Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.
If your elderly or disabled family member was injured or killed while in the care of an Illinois nursing home, please give the hardworking lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 924-7575. Our caring Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys are available 24 hours per day, seven days of the week to help you protect the rights of your loved ones. For a free consultation with a dedicated advocate, do not hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Odin Nursing Home Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Whether Wrongful Death Lawsuit is Subject to Binding Arbitration, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, March 24, 2013
To Protect Loved Ones, Many Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing an Illinois Nursing Home, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, March 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
Senate Bill Pushes Telehealth Tech Pilots to Reduce Long-Term Care Costs, by Jason Oliva, Senior Housing News
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