Flu pandemics have occurred regularly throughout recorded history. Preparation now will determine which home care agencies survive the next flu pandemic financially. This article discusses six cost areas that will affect the home care agency bottom line. These areas include supplies, staff shortages, reimbursement issues, vaccine and antiviral medication, unusual costs associated with a pandemic, and planning. Many suggestions for financial survival are offered. Major suggestions include financial planning in advance of a pandemic, stockpiling six essential supplies to last at least a 6- to 8-week period, and vigorous political action to pass a federal home care pandemic insurance plan and a federal home care paperwork modification plan to be implemented when the government declares a pandemic emergency regionally or nationally.
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