LeadingAge PA calls 2020-21 PA budget proposal 'disappointment'
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Feb. 4, 2020) - LeadingAge PA, an association representing more than 350 nonprofit providers of services for seniors, today issued the following statement from President and CEO Adam Marles on the 2020-21 budget proposal from Gov. Tom Wolf:
"Pennsylvania has essentially flat-funded Medical Assistance for more than five years and must stop ignoring nursing home residents who rely on Medicaid. That's why today's announcement that the latest budget proposal will continue to flat fund nursing home care felt like Groundhog Day all over again. Last year alone, there was a $632-million loss that hurt nursing homes' ability to maintain high quality care, and retain and attract staff. We urge the Pennsylvania General Assembly to insert a 2% rate increase into the budget and provide an additional $17-million investment in Community HealthChoices to fund a quality incentive initiative. This would reward nursing facilities that staff well, utilize public funds to provide better salaries and benefits to direct care workers, and demonstrate quality. Pennsylvania should reward its best nursing homes, and provide the funding necessary to properly care for its oldest citizens."
###
About LeadingAge PA:
LeadingAge
PA is a trade association representing more than 350 not-for-profit
senior housing, health care and community services across the
commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older
Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily
basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities /
Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities,
assisted living residences, personal care homes, and affordable senior
housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state
and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy
vision for the delivery of quality, affordable and ethical care for
Pennsylvania's seniors. For more information about LeadingAge PA and our
envisioned future of senior services, visit www.leadingagepa.org.
La Torre Communications for LeadingAge PA
David La Torre
david@latorrecommunications.com