Consumer-directed approaches offer strategies that maximize consumer preferences. Few studies exist, however, of the cost and effectiveness of these approaches with a Medicare population. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial of primary and consumer-directed care being conducted in parts of New York, West Virginia and Ohio with an impaired group of 1,600 Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Three consumer-directed approaches are described; 1) a health promotion nurse intervention, 2) a voucher for in-home services and equipment, and 3) a combination of voucher and health promotion nurse. Integration with primary care is emphasized. This study is still in progress. Twelve month results of cost and use of health and long term care services will be presented. There are 34 categories of use data, including primary care and specialist care, home health care, day care and hospital, nursing home, and assisted living. This research will help policy makers and practitioners to determine cost and use patterns associated with a Medicare consumer-directed approach.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to demonstrate knowledge of three strategies to empower consumers to take more responsibility for their own health care. The participant should also be able to identify some of the cost and service use issues involved in conducting research with a frail, community-based Medicare population.
Keywords: Consumer Direction, Cost Issues
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.