Budget Protects Pennsylvania’s Seniors

HARRISBURG — W. Russell McDaid, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, issued the following statement in response to the legislature’s passage of the 2015-2016 General Fund budget.

“The Pennsylvania Health Care Association and its members thank the Administration and the General Assembly for prioritizing the care of Pennsylvania’s frailest and sickest residents, such as those with advanced dementia or severe chronic health conditions that require around-the-clock care in Pennsylvania’s skilled nursing facilities, in the state budget.

“Our elected officials are tasked with crafting a fair and responsible budget amid difficult circumstances and we are pleased they all agreed that skilled nursing facilities needed assistance, with the access add-on payments for high Medicaid nursing homes funded again this year. However, we caution that Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program still does not come close to covering the real cost of care.

“Skilled nursing facilities still cannot invest in necessary capital improvements or advanced technology that would enhance care, nor can they pay competitive wages that would increase staff retention, which is so vital to high-quality care.

“Without adequate funding moving forward, some facilities may have to turn away seniors on Medicaid because they cannot afford their care, creating access to care issues in parts of the state.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and the General Assembly to ensure our sickest, frailest Pennsylvania residents have access to the services they need to live a healthy, safe, high-quality life with the dignity and respect they deserve.”