A majority of Americans agree that home care can play a role in reining in Medicare spending.
A national telephone survey of 1,000 adults by Harris Interactive found that 74 percent agree with the statement: "Home care is part of the solution to the problem of rapidly increasing Medicare spending for America's seniors."
The results were even more pronounced among those older than 55. Some 81 percent of those respondents said they believe home care could play a role in curbing Medicare spending.
Some 82 percent of respondents said they prefer home care over institutional care, agreeing with the statement, "If I required medical services, I would prefer to receive it in my home if possible, rather than in a hospital or nursing home." Only 9 percent disagree with the statement and 9 percent said they are neutral.
Preference for home care is most common among Americans age 55 and older (91 percent). The survey found that the strong preference for home care was consistent across all age group, gender, and income segments.
The survey also found that nearly four out of five favor stronger coverage for wheelchairs, oxygen and other home medical equipment and services.
The survey was conducted in December.
Both presidential candidates, Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain, have identified Medicare as a federal program that needs to be more cost-effective. McCain noted earlier this year that health programs should provide "incentives for home healthcare as opposed to long-term care."
Approximately 8 million Americans require some type of medical care in their home. Organizations that support home-based care delivery say it reduces the length of hospital stays and keeps many people out of hospitals and nursing homes.
"Home care is cost-effective and it provides independence for seniors and people with disabilities," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "Spending on home medical equipment and services represents less than 2 percent of the Medicare budget, and it's the slowest-growing sector of Medicare."