National Home Health Care Act of 1979

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] National Home Health Care Act of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, appointed by the Secretary, with the duties of monitoring specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and maintaining such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abus…