Column: Aging population underscores need to protect Medicare home health

In just a few short months, U.S. Census officials nationwide will start actively collecting data that will help to shape much of the planning and policies to carry us into the next decade. And while there are sure to be some surprising findings, we already have a good idea of what the 2020 census will reveal in terms of Ohio’s aging population.

Analyses believe Ohio is on track to have more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 20. That’s a dramatic change from the 2000 census, when not a single state had an older population that outnumbered its younger one. In 2020, it’s expected that Ohio will be one of 18 states flipping that scenario.

The rapid graying of our state — and our country — is hardly a surprise. What is surprising, however, is that Medicare is making considerable payment model changes to patient-preferred health care services seniors need to age in place.

Click here to see the full article on The Columbus Dispatch’s website.