Iowa Senator Demands Action Amid Nursing Home Fee Crisis

(Des Moines) State Senator Claire Celsi calls for urgent reform in Iowa’s nursing home sector. This follows revelations that numerous facilities, including the bankrupt Tabor Manor Care Center, owe a combined 10.7 million dollars in unpaid quality assurance fees. Celsi criticized the lack of oversight and accountability, arguing that taxpayer dollars and resident care are being compromised. She has urged her legislative colleagues to prioritize this issue in the next session, emphasizing that significant changes are needed to address the ongoing crisis effectively.

Tabor Manor Care Center owes over $1 million to the State and negotiated a 10-year payment plan to repay the debt.

The facility filed for bankruptcy in May, reporting $1.3 million in assets and $2.3 million in liabilities. The bulk of the debt is $1.7 million owed to Iowa Medicaid Enterprises for Quality Assurance Assessment fees dating back to 2019.

The proposed plan, which has yet to be approved by the bankruptcy court, includes monthly payments of $10,930, covering both principal and interest at 4.25 percent.

The State has agreed to the plan in principle.