LeadingAge PA, along with its aging services provider members and residents, convened at the state Capitol this week to advocate for “critically needed” Medicaid rate increases for nursing homes and Living Independence for the Elderly Life (LIFE) providers in the upcoming 2024-25 state budget.
LeadingAge PA said Skilled Nursing Facilities play an essential role in the health care ecosystem, serving tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians.
“However, their continued underfunding has made closures and sales a harsh reality for Pennsylvania families who need high-quality care for their loved ones,” the organization said in a statement. “In fact, over the past four years, 25 nursing homes closed and 2,588 beds have been decertified due to the current funding and workforce crisis, leaving only about 85,000 beds left in a state where over 2.2 million Pennsylvanians are 65 and over.”
LIFE has been underfunded, going without a substantial rate increase for over a decade despite facing staffing challenges and funding pressures as well, LeadingAge Pa said.
The organization is advocating for a $70 million investment in nursing homes to ensure that older Pennsylvanians have continued access to care and to help nursing homes meet increasing staffing requirements. They are also requesting a minimum of $8.9 million plus inflation for LIFE providers to address the significant funding gap they are facing.
“Our senior care providers are facing an uphill battle, and it’s time for all of us to join forces to halt this trend of closures and beds left empty,” said LeadingAge PA Board Chair Vicki Loucks, COO of Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. “Without proper Medicaid funding, we cannot compete against other employers, which creates a sad reality that it’s more cost effective not to fill a bed. This is why we need support from those in state government we need a reasonable Medicaid increase in this budget cycle, or more seniors will lose access to the high-quality care and services they deserve.”
According to a LeadingAge PA member survey, despite having licensed beds available, nearly half (48%) have declined hospital referrals within the last two to three months due to staffing challenges and underfunding linked to insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates.
“In just one month, nursing homes in Pennsylvania will be required to meet staffing ratios that are insufficiently funded,” said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano. “Today is about responding to the crisis that jeopardizes access to care for older Pennsylvanians and insisting that $70 million for nursing homes and at least $8.9 million for LIFE programs be included in the upcoming state budget.
“We stand ready to work with the PA General Assembly, the Shapiro administration and other stakeholders to make sure older adults have access to the care they want, need and deserve. Without funding there is no workforce; without workforce there is no care.”
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