As a medical-surgical nurse of 18 years, I've witnessed many readmissions of elderly patients because they didn't have or qualify for assistance to manage their care at home (Policy and Politics, October 2009). I was shocked to learn just how dire the situation has become in terms of the cost of readmission to Medicare.

This is clearly a moment of truth that calls for action. I believe that Mary Naylor's transitional care model will provide a standard of excellence for the elderly population's continuum of care.

As a patient advocate, I will give a standing ovation if taxpayer dollars are used to do the right thing, and to do it well, so that patient care is improved. Passage of the Medicare Transitional Care Act would be a monumental achievement.

Melissa Inman, RN,C

Ash, NC