The Issue
Nursing home care may be in peril. Governor Carcieri's proposed budget calls for two cuts in nursing home care reimbursement during the 2008 legislative session:
- A reduction in the reimbursement ceiling for direct caregiver wages. Less money for caregiver wages will equate to lost jobs and lower quality care. Click here for more details
- A delay in the cost of living adjustment (COLA) to skilled nursing facilities. Unlike other health care entities, nursing homes’ heavy reliance on government funding leaves them with very little ability to keep pace with inflationary increases. Nursing homes are dependent upon the annual cost of living adjustment to keep up with skyrocketing energy costs and the competitive wages needed to attract and retain badly needed workers. A delay in the COLA in 2007 decreased reimbursement by $7.1 million. Nursing homes cannot withstand further funding cuts. Click here for more details
How can you help?
The elderly and chronically ill who reside in Rhode Island’s nursing homes are entitled to the best care possible. Studies have shown that Rhode Island facilities are under-reimbursed by the Medicaid system for the cost of care by millions of dollars each year. Chronic under funding hinders providers’ ability to give nursing home residents the care that they deserve. Please help educate our legislators. Let them know that their decisions affect the care of those you care for in nursing homes by sending one of the following template letters.
- Sample Letters:
- Proclamation
- Action Plan for 2008 Legislative Session:
- View as a PDF
- View as a PowerPoint Presentation
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