Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) has announced the introduction of the “Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2012” (H.R. 6476) which would provide more cost-effective, skilled care options for seniors, people with disabilities, and families in the Medicare program.

H.R. 6476 would allow patients who qualify for home health services or nursing home care under the Medicare program to choose the option of adult day care services instead. By paying adult day care providers 98% of the home health rate, the “Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2012” could also yield savings to Medicare.

“We owe it our seniors to provide them with quality health care, and they deserve to have the full range of care choices,” said Congresswoman Sánchez.    “Adult day care is an important option for seniors who need rehabilitative care or help with daily life tasks, but don’t need around-the-clock care.  This legislation provides a cost-effective Medicare choice by paying adult day care providers 98% of the home health rate.  This bill also provides crucial relief to family caregivers, who often struggle to balance work and caring for their loved ones fulltime.”

In addition to increasing choices for seniors and people with disabilities, the “Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2012” bill would provide a vital service to family caregivers.  While taking care of their loved ones, these caregivers lose an average of $659,139 in wages, pension benefits, and Social Security benefits over a lifetime, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.  By providing this adult care choice to Medicare beneficiaries, H.R. 6476 helps protect a family’s economic well-being, without adding to the cost of Medicare.

Congresswoman Sánchez also introduced Medicare Adult Day Care 2009 legislation in the 111^th Congress.