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There are additional administration factors that are hard to put a finger on, but on the face, the Independent Caregiver option saves the state 16.2% cash outlay over the identical hours of service from an agency. Addit ionally, the competition introduced by the Independent Caregiver significantly helps keep in check the homecare charges by agencies. Perhaps most importantly, (if the option was groomed with reasonable incentives), more workers could be attracted to help alleviate the caregiver shortage.
Here's a demonstration of how the independent caregiver option could save $1 million.
We know:
· There are more than 5300 folks who are now using Medicaid funded homecare in Nevada.
· The current participants average approximately 2.7 hours of homecare each day.
· Using agency homecare services, whether the ISO or other privately held homecare agencies, these services cost the state $18.50 per hour.
· The identical services, (or what some of us consider better services), using Independent Caregivers at current rates, cost the state $15.50 per hour.
Just suppose:
· Medicaid officials allow a workable, inviting and accessible Independent Caregiver model, (A Maximized Homecare Model).
· Many of the participants, (especially those, whose need for personal assistance is heavier), will prefer the Maximized Homecare Model.... let's just say one out of 10 of the total homecare participants, that is 530, choose this model.
Now, look at the math...
A $3 per hr. cost difference, times the average 2.7 hours of daily use, times 530 participants, times 365 days of the air, = $1,566,945
Perhaps saving more than $1 million is not a big concern to Nevada Medicaid administrators. But, they should not neglect to pursue developing every practical resource that will allow Nevada’s elderly and disabled people a means to live in their own homes and to escape unnecessary institutionalization. The real bottom line question is, are we willing to make the effort necessary to effect the changes that will help these people?
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