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CONGRESSMAN WALZ INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CUT HEALTH CARE COSTS
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2009
Contact: Meredith Salsbery
507-388-2149
WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman Walz, along with his colleague Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, introduced legislation to cut health care costs and improve quality of care by using technology in patient’s homes.
The Fostering Independence Through Technology Act, or the FITT Act, would create pilot programs within the Department of Health and Human Services for home health agencies to use home monitoring and communications technology to care for patients in their own homes.
“We have to look for more cost-effective ways to provide high quality health care,” said Walz. “By utilizing technology, we can treat southern Minnesotans in the comfort of their own homes and save money at the same time. As we continue to talk about health care reform, these are the innovative ideas that can help us reduce cost and deliver high quality care.”
“Most people would prefer to receive health care services in the comfort of their home rather than shuttling back and forth to a doctor’s office or hospital. However, because the newest medical technologies are available only in a clinical setting, many beneficiaries are unable to receive the best care in their homes. This bill aims to change that,” said Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida. “We are in the midst of a tough time economically, this bill is a great example of a way the government can save money while providing a better quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries: this is a program we can all benefit from.”
“We believe seniors today are best served along the spectrum of care—receiving long-term care services in the “right” settings at the right time,” said Patti Cullen, President and CEO of Care Providers of Minnesota. “The FITT bill provides just what many seniors need and we commend Congressman Walz for introducing a much-needed bill that will fill the needs of many of our “Greatest Generation.”
The legislation requires that pilot programs be created in both urban and rural areas and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services monitor the success of these programs both in terms of quality of care and savings.
This legislation is supported by the Home Care Technology Association of America, the National Association of Home Care and the Telehealth Leadership Initiative.
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