Oklahoma is second in the nation for nursing home residents with low-care needs who could be better served in home and community-based settings. The Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 888 to provide seniors and their families options that best suit the individual’s long-term healthcare needs while saving the state money.

 “Oklahoma spends 70 percent of its long-term care dollars on nursing homes, and only 30 percent on less costly alternatives.  Oklahoma’s senior citizen population is expected to increase by nearly 100,000 in the next 30 years – a trend we won’t be able to afford unless we start using more affordable options,” said David, R-Porter.  “By using a variety of home and community-based services, other states like Texas, Alaska and Colorado have obtained a 50/50 mix or better in long-term care spending, achieving significant cost savings while allowing senior to choose care in their preferred setting.”

SB 888 will allow seniors to take advantage of options counseling to ensure they are fully informed of their options prior to admission to a long-term care program, including less costly choices like home health and adult day services. 

One option provided under SB 888 is the PACE program, which is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps meet people’s health care needs in their homes, community or local PACE center rather than going to nursing homes or other care facilities. PACE provides all the services and care covered by Medicare and Medicaid if authorized by the individual’s health care team.