State audit: easier to get costly nursing home care than home help
It’s easier for Georgians to get a bed in a nursing home than less-expensive home and community-based services, costing the government big money, according to a follow-up state audit released Friday.
Auditors found that fewer elderly and disabled received the home and community-based services in 2013 than in 2011. The review by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts found that nursing home stays cost Medicaid almost four times as much a year as having the elderly and disabled in home and community-based programs.
While the audit said state agencies have taken steps to make potential clients more aware of the programs, nursing home personnel who conduct pre-admission screenings of potential clients have little incentive to discuss the alternatives. It said one-third of nursing homes made no referrals to programs designed to discuss patient options during a six-month period studied in 2014.
It also said the state’s community care services program has a waiting list that averages about 1,500 people.
“Those in need of immediate long-term support services can generally receive them more quickly from a nursing home,” the audit said.
About the Author
James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history
