Dingell’s Better Care Better Jobs Act focuses on improving access to quality home health care

DEARBORN, Mich. – In the first 2022 episode of The Home Health Care Today Show, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell discusses her work to improve home health care access, which has been inspired by her personal experiences with what she calls a “broken system.”

            The show is a bi-weekly podcast/webcast designed to inform and build awareness of issues related to home health care that are important to Michigan residents.

“In speaking with Congresswoman Dingell and looking at her legislative work, it is clear that our missions align with regard to improving access to quality home health care,” said Cleamon Moorer Jr., DBA, host and founder of The Home Health Care Today Show. “We both believe there is demand for extended, quality care outside of institutions, and that care — home health care — should be accessible to those who want it. We also agree there should be better wages for home health care workers, and there are ways the state and national government can help make this possible.

“We know that 90% of those needing long-term care prefer to stay in their own home or that of a loved one, but the health care system of today provides obstacles to do so.”

Dingell’s journey in navigating long-term care began when her late husband, former long-time U.S. Congressman John Dingell, had health issues upon retirement.

“You don't really understand how broken the system is or how challenging or difficult it is until you have somebody you love who needs help,” she said. “You fight with your private insurance and Medicare as to who's responsible to pay for what, and that's just the beginning. Ninety days and you're done, except nobody gets sick for just 90 days.”

In the long-format interview, Dingell encourages listeners and viewers to tell their stories to their policymakers — stories of their challenges, roadblocks and difficulties in seeking health care.

“By putting the human face on it, you help make it real for many people to demand change,” she said.

Moorer said, “We definitely encourage listeners and viewers of our show to be actively engaged in reaching out to policymakers and sharing their own experiences.

Dingell also discusses the pending legislation Better Care Better Jobs Act, which she introduced. It would strengthen and expand access to Medicaid home- and community-based services and support stronger benefits for the direct care workforce. 

Moorer, who is also president/owner of a multicultural, multilingual agency that provides home health and hospice care, said, “We at American Advantage Home Care are able to compensate our skilled home health aides and certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, at a flat rate of $30 per visit. But there may be need for care longer than an hour. So, yes, help is much needed, and the Better Care Better Jobs Act is a great bill. We're going to push for it.”

Dingell also noted there is hope for improvement with the implementation of the recently passed Build Back Better Act, which includes her provision to expand home- and community-based services to support long-term care recipients and care workers.

The podcast/webcast is accessible on the show’s website, www.HomeHealthCareToday.Show, with links to the Spotify, Apple podcast and YouTube formats. A summary of each episode is posted on the show’s LinkedIn page, https://bit.ly/HomeHealthCareToday-L.

The Home Health Care Today Show, sponsored by American Advantage Home Care, was launched February 2021 by Moorer. It is one of many ways he works to make a positive impact in the lives of Michiganders, especially for those underserved by the health care system. It also supports his vision for American Advantage Home Care as a connector of resources for those it serves.

American Advantage Home Care’s geographical service area includes 10 counties: Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and Saginaw, as well as eastern Washtenaw and Livingston.

The show and American Advantage are affiliates of Partners in Wellness Management LLC that is focused on improving the health of and health care for individuals in Michigan. More information is at www.HomeHealthCareToday.Show, or call 313.914.2296.

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Photo caption

HomeHealthCareTodayShow-Dingell-Moorer.jpg — U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell talks about ways to improve U.S. home- and community-based health services with host Cleamon Moorer Jr. on The Home Health Care Today Show.