LeadingAge PA commends Gov. Wolf for providing financial assistance to health care facilities
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (March 26, 2020) - LeadingAge PA, the voice for nonprofit senior care in Pennsylvania, today commended Gov. Tom Wolf for committing $50 million to help health care facilities, including nursing homes, address needs related to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Gov. Wolf took an important step today toward helping Pennsylvania handle treatment of those who become ill with COVID-19," said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Adam Marles. "With Pennsylvania estimated to receive considerable federal funds, I again urge the governor to grant our request last week to allocate $290 million. Without this support, it will soon become impossible for our facilities caring for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens to obtain an adequate supply of medical masks, gowns, and gloves."
Last week, LeadingAge PA and PHCA asked for a 3% increase in Medicaid rates to achieve the $290 million needed to address pandemic care. The organizations have also requested that state government:
- Provide and distribute emergency state or federal funding for skilled nursing and personal care homes / assisted living facilities to offer paid sick leave to all staff who have exhausted their sick leave benefits to avoid sick staff interacting with frail, vulnerable residents; and
- Immediately plan for how potential facility closures will be addressed, with a central focus on the residents living in these facilities, and what extraordinary financial assistance might be offered to facilities to avoid closures during this public health emergency.
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About LeadingAge PA:
LeadingAge
PA is a trade association representing more than 360 nonprofit 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.
Media Contact:
La Torre Communications for LeadingAge PA
David La Torre
david@latorrecommunications.com