Notable & Quotable

It’s up to you!

Obama or McCain? For a hint about how HomeCare readers feel, check out the results of our Web poll on which presidential candidate’s health plan would be best on page 18. And remember that decisions are made by those who show up, so get out and vote for the candidate of your choice on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

34%
of American adults now fit the definition of “obese.” Obese employees cost U.S. private employers an estimated $45 billion annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
Source: The Conference Board, “Weights and Measures: What Employers Should Know about Obesity”

W. Va.
has the highest percentage of adults with a disability at 25.9%.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sept. 30, 2009
Accreditation deadline for DMEPOS providers. Unless you are accredited by this date, you will no longer have billing privileges under Medicare.
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

13.5%
Increase in total prevalence of diabetes from 2005-2007. If present trends continue, one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
Source: American Diabetes Association

26%
Average reimbursement reduction resulting from round one of DMEPOS competitive bidding*
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services *Under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, Medicare’s DMEPOS bidding program has been delayed.

Arthritis
is the leading chronic condition reported by the elderly.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons