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U.S. Sen. Angus King says something as simple as an $11 bath mat could help prevent costly and dangerous falls for Medicare patients.
King said providing bath mats to Medicare recipients could save money in the long run by reducing bathtub injuries and fall-related hospital visits.
“I’m the Johnny Appleseed of bath mats. Whenever I go to see somebody and they don’t have one of these in their shower, I buy one and send it to them,” the Maine independent said. “Send out 20 or 30 million of these and that $100 million cost of falls would fall significantly,” he added.
King said more focus should be placed on preventing injuries before they happen, including adding safety features like grab bars and nonslip mats in bathrooms.
He pointed out that Medicare covers the cost of a broken hip, but not the safety equipment that could help prevent one.
