Affording health care services has been an issue that most Americans have been facing for a long time. However, with the termination of the Class Act many middle class families are having problems affording long term care for family members (Harris & Pear, 2011). Lower class Americans receive assistance through Medicaid, while the upper class are usually able to afford the services themselves, but numerous middle class families find themselves struggling to pay for services and care for elderly family members. If successfully completed the, Class Act would have covered roughly a quarter of nursing home care for middle class families.
There are other options for middle class families to choose from other than paying for services out of pocket. Long term care insurance is becoming a more popular option for many Americans. For example, California is one of the many states that take part in "Partnership for Long Term Care". This program gives credit to individuals that purchase long term care insurance. This is an advantage because most LTC policies pay a fixed amount. The benefit is a payment of the actual expenses incurred, also the credit extends to assisted living facilities, nursing homes and in home services.
References
Harris, H. & Pear, R. (2011, October 24). Still no relief in sight for long-term needs. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/health/25seniors.html?_r=1
The transfer of health care information in a secure manner from organization to organization has always been a top priority of the healthcare industry. When discussing Health Information Exchange (HIE) we usually hear situations involving medical groups, hospitals, or physician collaborative organizations. Now, with the demand for long term care rising due to baby boomers reaching retirement age HIE has become an even more vital tool in providing quality care to the clients and residents receiving care in long term care facilities. This generation of Americans represents over one-third of the United States population and with the first group of baby boomers turning 65 this year the health care industry must adjust to the needs and demands of this aging population. The American Hospital Association estimates the thirty-seven million boomers will be managing one or more chronic medical condition within the next twenty years (Orlovky, 2007). With this portion of the population requiring more care than any other the exchange of health information and the use of health information technology is sure to increase significantly in long term care businesses.
With the upsurge of this aging population over the next two decades requiring care; organizations like Jersey Health Connect has seen the need to adapt in order to meet the demand. Jersey Health Connect Health Information Exchange, Inc is an organization consisting of multiple medical groups, hospitals, health systems and long term care organizations (Miliard, 2011). Jersey Health Connect HIE uses its information technology to increase coordination between the respective parties within the organization which ultimately results in a higher quality of care. The need for accurate and current information is not just a top priority in hospitals, but is also essential when caring for residents receiving long term care now more than ever.
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