Changing home health care marketplace in Wisconsin

The increasing percentage of frail, chronically ill, elderly in Wisconsin combined with a shift in the site of care delivery from institution to homes has created an increased need for non-skilled home health services. Despite recent increases in home health expenditures these increases in need are even greater. Tightening interpretations of Medicare eligibility criteria, the expansion of health maintenance organizations, and the vulnerability of county home health agencies in Wisconsin are limiting access to home care services for chronically ill elderly in the state.