Americans are delaying medical care during the pandemic: Your WellSky COVID-19 Weekly Briefing
The WellSky COVID-19 Weekly Briefing covers the top news and guidance for home health, hospice, and personal care providers. Published every Tuesday since late March 2020, hundreds of providers across the U.S. depend on this extensively researched, free publication authored by renowned healthcare policy consultant Sharon Harder, president of C3 Advisors, LLC. Readers report that the briefing brings them up-to-date quickly and saves them hours of time by providing the stories and information that are most critical for their work.
This week’s edition is out now. Click here to download. (It’s free.)
Editor’s pick from this week’s briefing
If your agency is like most, you may have seen a drop in your patient census during the COVID-19 pandemic. A story in this week’s briefing reveals why. In “Americans are delaying medical care during the pandemic,” Sharon Harder explores a poll conducted in mid-May by the Kaiser Family Foundation. This survey of 1,189 adults found that almost half (48%) of Americans report that they or a family member has skipped or postponed medical care due to the pandemic. Eleven percent of those surveyed said that the person who delayed care experienced a worsening of symptoms.
At least part of the delay is due to economics. Nearly half of the individuals surveyed had experienced the loss of income or a job. About 1 in 4 said that they would likely be turning to Medicaid for health coverage in the coming year.
But there’s hope. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of those surveyed expect to obtain the care that was delayed as restrictions are eased. Read more in the briefing now.
Also in this week’s briefing:
NEWS | State budget woes: Medicaid cuts are coming
Medicaid enrollment is expected to increase, but funding in just about every state is on the chopping block. Read more…
NEWS | Physician verbal orders: There’s a new bill in Congress
Tracking down physician signatures is harder than ever. Now there’s a new proposed bill in Congress that might help. Read more…
COMPLIANCE | The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) continues to change
Both houses of Congress are considering changes to the PPP. Here’s what you need to know now. Read more…
COMPLIANCE | New rules for Medicare Advantage
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced new rules to support patient care during the public health emergency. Read more…
CLINICAL | The effect of isolation on seniors’ mental health
Isolation can be devastating to the mental health of older adults. Clinicians, social workers, and physicians all have critical roles to play. Read more…
ADMINISTRATIVE | A regimen for reentry
A new article by Dr. Atul Gawande recommends a four-part, combination strategy for reopening in which each part is essential. Read more…