Ohio urged to rely less on nursing homes
12/9/2010COLUMBUS — An advisory council says Ohio must look to alternatives to nursing home care to head off “unsustainable” increases in Medicaid costs.
In a report released Thursday, the state-appointed panel says Ohio must shift its focus to less expensive long-term care provided at home.
The Columbus Dispatch reports nursing home care for a Medicaid recipient costs taxpayers $4,300 a month, while a home-care services program costs the state about $1,400 per patient per month.
The report recommends that the state set a three-year goal to provide care at home for half of Ohioans over 60 who need long-term care. In 2009, 42 percent received home care, while the other 58 percent were in nursing homes.
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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch