‘We’re teetering on the edge.’ Are Medicaid rates making it harder to age at home? – New Hampshire Bulletin

We are precariously close to disaster. With Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care services for the elderly in New Hampshire on the decline, the capability of elderly residents to age in place is severely jeopardized.

The cost of providing long-term care services is on the rise and reimbursement rates from Medicaid are not keeping up. As a result, the availability of these services is decreasing significantly. This decrease in availability is putting a strain on caregivers, families, and elderly residents.

The situation is especially dire in rural areas of New Hampshire, where there are fewer providers and care centers. This is compounded by the fact that elderly residents in rural areas are more likely to need long-term care services than those in urban areas.

A recent survey conducted by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services found that the majority of elderly residents in the state prefer to age in place. However, with reimbursement rates falling far below the cost of providing long-term care services, it is becoming increasingly difficult for elderly residents to stay in their homes.

The survey also found that elderly residents are facing a lack of access to care, with many having to travel long distances for care. This is leading to a decrease in quality of care and an increase in the number of elderly residents who are unable to access the care they need.

The survey concluded that in order to ensure that elderly residents in New Hampshire are able to age in place, Medicaid reimbursement rates must be increased to ensure that providers are able to afford to offer these services. Without an increase in reimbursement rates, it is likely that the number of elderly residents who are able to age in place will continue to decline.

We are teetering on the edge and the availability of long-term care services for elderly residents in New Hampshire is in a precarious state. With Medicaid reimbursement rates failing to keep up with the cost of providing these services, the capability of elderly residents to age in place is becoming increasingly difficult. Unless Medicaid reimbursement rates are increased, it is likely that the number of elderly residents who are able to age in place will continue to decline.