By Scott Fitzgerald,Staff Writer, Enid News & Eagle, January 31, 2005
ENID - - What formed 10 years earlier this month as yet another government board, has quietly been a boon for Enid. Long Term Care Authority (LTCA) of Enid celebrates 10 years of service addressing long-term personal health care needs here.
Mayor Ernie Currier and city officials will host a small reception Thursday for LTCA administrators and board members.
"We've added staff. We're authorizing service plans across the field and we are doing more intake and screening," said Rick Billings, LTCA executive director.
Through its program referred to as the ADvantage Program, the LTCA has helped boost Enid's medical economy steadily through the years. In 2004, nearly $1.4 million was spent in Garfield County alone for long term health care by way of case management services, home health programs, medical equipment and home-delivered meals. The ADvantage program was administered to 217 people in Garfield County.
"The primary mission of the Long Term Care Authority in Enid is to address rural long-term care issues. The agency contracts with Oklahoma Department of Human Services to administer the ADvantage program. Administrative roles and functions are not duplicated between the two authorities," Billings said.
Some history may help.
The state's Medicaid budget crises in the early 1990s prompted state officials to look at more cost-effective ways to provide long-term health care. Officials saw nursing home care ate up a large portion of Medicaid funds. Less costly alternatives were sought.
Evaluating a successful model established by Tulsa city and county governments, DHS contracted with Tulsa's LTCA to develop long-term care reform proposals. LTCA of Tulsa helped establish the Enid authority in January 1995 with Administration on Aging grant funds. Clients were allowed to use Medicaid funds to purchase home long-term care instead of merely checking into nursing homes.
Today, home health services available through ADvantage has increased from the initial service package of eight to a total of 18 which include personal care, case management, home-delivered meals and respite.
"These service plans are individualized and can change as the level of care changes," Billings said.
The cost savings are visible. According to data from the Congressional Budget Office, ADvantage cost the state Medicaid program an average of $37.89 each day compared to $85.08 a day for nursing home care. And another advantage is the desire of most people to remain at home in spite of health conditions.
"Most individuals want to remain at home as long as possible," Billings said. As the ADvantage program continues to grow here, LTCA of Enid is expanding its services to provide more efficient consumer intake and screening. Resolving complaints also is a priority.
Future activities include more continuing education on long-term health care issues for policy makers and widening consumer care, Billings said.
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