LeadingAge PA issues statement on Wolf 2022-23 budget proposal
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Feb. 8, 2022) – LeadingAge PA, an association representing more than 370 providers of services for seniors, today issued the following statement from Interim President and CEO Bob Bertolette on the 2022-23 state budget proposal from Gov. Tom Wolf:
“While we appreciate that Gov. Wolf is proposing a $91.25 million increase in Medical Assistance nursing facility rates, it is disappointing that it is tied to the Administration’s misguided regulatory proposal to increase minimum staffing thresholds by 50%. These mandatory minimums are unattainable and ignore the current workforce challenges. Because this funding proposal is linked to staffing minimums, it does nothing to address historical and growing structural deficits caused by years of underfunding.
Many have moved on from the pandemic, but nursing homes continue to be ground zero. Facilities have exhausted their rainy day funds. Some have closed their doors and others have been sold to out-of-state corporations. LeadingAge PA members are committed to providing high-quality care, and our elected officials are expected to do the same by investing adequate funding in medical assistance rates for the care of our seniors. The future sustainability of senior services depends on it.”
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About LeadingAge PA:
LeadingAge
PA is a trade association representing 370-plus high-quality 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, visit www.leadingagepa.org.
Media Contact:
La Torre Communications for LeadingAge PA
David La Torre
david@latorrecommunications.com