News Report | November 3, 2008
Medicare Spending on Care for Beneficiaries With Chronic Conditions is Higher in Regions With More Hospital Alternatives
OPEN MINDS On-Line News
Senior Support Services
Between 2001 and 2005, Medicare spending on hospitalization was higher in regions with more alternatives to hospitals, such as rehabilitation hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. The amount of services received at the end of life by individuals with severe chronic disease varied by facility, region, and state, not by the condition. The availability of hospice care had only a marginal effect on reducing spending and utilization. Differences in Medicare costs during the last two years of life were directly related to the total . . .