Advocacy in Action: LeadingAge PA's Call for Critical Medicaid Rate Increases
As the FY 2024-25 state budget deadline approaches, LeadingAge PA continues to advocate tirelessly for additional funding for Pennsylvania nursing homes and Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) providers, recognizing the urgent need to address the current access to care crisis and ongoing funding challenges. Two significant events that underscore our commitment to securing needed investment were the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee's informational hearing on LIFE last month and our Lobby Day on June 4th.
Informational Meeting on LIFE
On May 22, 2024, members of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee hosted an informational meeting on LIFE at our request. The LIFE program, which currently serves over 8,000 older adults across the state, is a crucial and irreplaceable component of Pennsylvania's aging services ecosystem. This meeting provided an opportunity to emphasize the program's role and significance within the spectrum of aging services and discuss challenges and needed support.LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano was joined by LouAnn Shively, vice president of Albright LIFE, and Mark Irwin, chief operations officer of SeniorLIFE. Both detailed the structure of their community’s LIFE program and highlighted why additional funding in this year’s budget cycle is essential.
“LIFE faces significant challenges, including workforce, funding, and general public awareness,” said Irwin. “When Senior LIFE began in 2006, we were paid $3,938 for dual-eligible participants. Today, the rate is $3,944. That means in 18 budget cycles, the rate has only increased by $6. In 2006, Medicaid-only rates were $5,033, and that has only risen to $5,204 today.”
Adding to the discussion, Shively expressed, “I can’t name any other business model that would be able to remain in operation for 15+ years without proportional revenue increases. Unlike some care settings, we are not able to increase a private pay rate to offset inadequate reimbursement, as the majority of our population is dual-eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, and there are no out-of-pocket costs to participants.”
The meeting concluded positively, with several committee members engaging in follow-up discussion. LeadingAge PA expresses gratitude to House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee Majority Chair Maureen Madden, Republican Chair Steven Mentzer, and the committee members for taking the time to listen to our members, and we look forward to future collaboration.
You can watch the full meeting here.
Lobby Day: Advocating for Critical Medicaid Rate Increases
On June 4, 2024, LeadingAge PA, along with its member providers and residents, convened at the state Capitol to advocate for critically needed Medicaid rate increases. Dressed in green and fueled by a joint mission to ignite change in aging services, the group called for a $70 million investment in nursing homes and a minimum of $8.9 million plus inflation for LIFE providers.
Supporting the cause were House Majority Leader Matthew Bradford, Senate Aging and Youth Committee Majority Chair Senator Judy Ward, and Chair Madden.
Taking the podium, Senator Ward, who is also the Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, explained how nursing homes and LIFE providers are best positioned to care for individuals who can no longer live at home or are unable to do so without dedicated support. “The funding increases advocated by LeadingAge PA would have significant impacts on our seniors; specifically, the funding would be used to hire additional staff and serve more residents, thus easing the burden on the acute care partners in the entire community,” she said.
“In a budget year where we are blessed to have additional dollars, we need to make sure those dollars go to those populations that are most in need and most deserving and not just for the folks who are receiving the care,” said Representative Bradford who continued to say that the caregivers and administrators are in need of support, as well.
Closing out comments by legislators, Chair Madden remarked, "For our seniors unable to live in their homes, we need to support our nursing homes where understaffing and underfunding are at crisis level. It is imperative that we adequately fund our service providers to ensure seniors have as many quality care options as possible.”
Chair Madden also shared a personal perspective regarding the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program, noting her husband’s career as an acoustic guitarist and singer who has spent much time entertaining seniors in various communities, including LIFE-based ones. She highlighted the financial struggles she and her husband witnessed faced by these communities. She expressed her commitment to advocating for the continuation of these programs, recognizing the invaluable and essential work being done for the emotional and physical well-being of seniors.
Additionally, she reflected on her experience at the Ageless Art and Timeless Treasures Exhibit the night prior at the Capitol, where she spent time with artists. She praised the communities that support these artists, allowing them to express themselves and stay fulfilled.
The overall message of the day focused on the need for state lawmakers and stakeholders to come together and acknowledge the crisis in aging services and the need to increase funding for the ecosystem to not only survive but thrive.
You can watch the press conference in its entirety here.
A Call to Action
LeadingAge PA members know our deep commitment to providing the information and education necessary to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of senior services and care. But we can't do it alone! WE NEED MEMBERS TO JOIN US AND TAKE ACTION.
LeadingAge PA urges its members to take further action this budget season through VoterVoice. Together, we can make a significant impact.