Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
This study analyzes home- and community-based services (HCBS) use patterns and determines the costs of purchasing in-home services comparable to those offered by SCAN (R), a Social HMO. METHODS. Administrative data on 8, 229 nursing home certifiable members were used to profile use patterns; a telephone survey gathered data on the market value of these services. RESULTS. Frail Social HMO members used a variety of HCBS to remain independent at home. These individuals would spend an average of 4, 900 out of pocket per year to purchase equivalent HCBS, if they were not enrolled in the Social HMO. DISCUSSION. Findings suggest that the costs of maintaining a Social HMO member at home are modest and affordable, yet offer a substantial benefit, particularly to low- and moderate-income older people. With the aging of the population, an integrated medical and social program, such as the Social HMO, offers a viable policy solution.
Schwab et al. (Thu,) studied this question.