STUDY: Home and Community-Based Services Are Cost-Effective

Home and community-based services (HCBS) are far cheaper than care services provided in nursing homes and other institutions, according to an AARP analysis.

The study’s authors — Wendy Fox-Grage of the AARP Public Policy Institute and Jenna Walls of Health Management Associates — examined 38 studies of state HCBS published between 2005 and 2012.

“Overall, the findings illustrate cost reductions by diverting and transitioning individuals from nursing home care to HCBS,” Fox-Grage and Walls wrote.

The report summarizes all 38 studies that were examined by the authors.

— by Matthew Ozga