Your Voice Matters: Ask Legislators to Increase Funding Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 At Lutheran SeniorLife, families entrust us to provide the quality care that allows their loved ones to live an “Abundant life.” Our ability to fulfill this mission must continue and we ask you to join us in writing to the Governor and Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, urging them to increase Medicaid funding for nursing home providers. Lutheran SeniorLife will continue to work with our advocacy partners, LeadingAge PA and Lutheran Services in America, LSA. With your voice, we can bolster our efforts to ensure the future of quality services for older adults within our communities. Medicaid does not cover the full cost of care and is the primary payer for 70% of nursing home residents in Pennsylvania. Despite its crucial role for persons who need us most, Medicaid reimbursement rates not only under fund the services provided, it has not kept pace with the rising costs of delivering quality care. This financial shortfall jeopardizes nursing home providers’ ability to maintain adequate staffing levels, provide ongoing staff training, and invest in necessary facility improvements. The Impact of Insufficient Funding The ramifications of inadequate funding are multifaceted and deeply concerning. Recent closures of nearby quality providers are a direct result of underfunded nursing homes. According to Alesia Frerichs, President and CEO, Lutheran Services in America, “with a strong advocacy presence in Washington, DC, we are well positioned to amplify the faith-based, non-profit voice of our nationwide network. Addressing Housing and Workforce shortages along with strengthening Medicaid and Medicare with a focus on reimbursement, are our top priorities.” Moreover, insufficient funding limits Lutheran SeniorLife’s ability to invest in modernizing our facilities and further adopting innovative technologies that enhance quality of care. These advancements, from electronic health records to telemedicine capabilities, are essential for providing efficient and effective care. Without appropriate funding, nursing homes are left behind, unable to offer the same level of service or even grow and enhance services to meet future lifestyle demands. According to Charles Quinnan, Senior Vice President & Chief Governmental Affairs Officer of LeadingAge PA, Nursing homes are already in crisis with beds dropping offline at an alarming rate in the face of staffing mandates, workforce challenges, and increased regulatory pressure. Without additional funding, providers will not be able to meet these demands and will be forced to further reduce the number of older Pennsylvanians they are able to care for each day. A Call to Action We respectfully request your support in writing Governor Shapiro and the legislatures to increase Medicaid reimbursements for nursing home providers. Your voice can make a significant difference in advocating for the essential resources needed to maintain and enhance the quality of life of those entrusted to our care. The links below provided by LeadingAge of PA contain template letters and the necessary information to let your voice be heard. For employees/providers: Contact your legislator(s) here https://www.votervoice.net/LeadingAgePA/Campaigns/112795/Respond For residents/families: Contact your legislator(s) here https://www.votervoice.net/LeadingAgePA/Campaigns/112796/Respond For EVERYONE: Contact Governor Shapiro here https://www.votervoice.net/LeadingAgePA/Campaigns/116354/Respond For comments, or more information email, LSLMarketing@lutheranseniorlife.org