Celebrating Memorial Day

Access Home Care and Hospice has the opportunity to care for amazing individuals on a daily basis. We feel it is an honor to care for those whose physical circumstances allow us to be a part of their lives. As a hospice agency providing end of life care, we are granted the privilege of helping those who are terminally ill. Like birth, death is an intimate experience. Access Hospice is committed to giving the highest level of care necessary so that when the time comes, the person dies with comfort and dignity. As death comes to many of those we care for, we take time this Memorial Day to remember and reflect on their lives and their contribution to society.

Access also has the opportunity provide home care and hospice services to many veterans that have served in our nation's military. It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with such amazing people that have given so much of their lives! Because of their sacrifices and service, we are able to enjoy many freedoms and liberties in this country. In order to honor those veterans that have died, and to those we currently care for, we invite everyone to listen to the music video called "Some Gave All."

From all of us at Access Home Care and Hospice, HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Access Prepared for Idaho Medicaid Crunch

On March 31st, 2010, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued a sobering letter to healthcare providers across the state of Idaho. The letter states that "because of budget holdbacks, the Idaho Medicaid Program will suspend payments to all Medicaid providers for the final three payment cycles of fiscal year 2010." Hospitals and nursing homes received a similar letter outlining the withholding of payments for eight to twelve weeks. Payments are scheduled to resume the first week of July, 2010.

Some may ask questions about how this will affect the care they are receiving or if this decision affects Access' relationship with nursing homes and/or assisted living facilities. Access Home Care and Hospice would like to express to all Medicaid patients, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, etc., that we will continue to provide quality care regardless of reimbursement difficulties. If you or a loved one are already on services, you will continue to be provided those services regardless of delayed payments from Medicaid. Access will also continue to evaluate each new Medicaid patient that requests Access as their home health provider.

This news may be a financial burden and actually cause closure to some privately owned Medicaid providers. However, Access Home Care and Hospice will continue to fulfill its mission of being fiscally responsible in order to provide quality services to under-served communities.

For any questions regarding Medicaid and how it affects you, a loved one, or any facility in which Access is contracted, please contact your local Access office.