It is time for Governor Kathy Hochul to show her support for New York State’s seniors!
The Legislature has proposed necessary Medicaid reimbursement increases and
rebasing – now Governor Hochul must approve these changes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SFY 24-25 EXECUTIVE BUDGET PROPOSAL
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Proposes a $1B increase in all-funds spending and $5.9B increase in state operating fund spending
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No Medicaid reimbursement increases or reforms are included in budget increases
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Proposes to save $200M on Medicaid through spending cuts on long-term care
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND THE ROLE OF THE NURSE
We would like to thank the New York State Legislature for proposing the following changes to the Executive Budget Proposal:
- A 10.5% increase to Medicaid reimbursements
- Rebasing Medicaid reimbursement rates every 5 years
- Restoring the funding the Governor proposed to cut to Medicaid programs
LESSEN THE STAFFING-SHORTAGE AT NO STATE COST
The healthcare industry has been facing staff shortages for years, but our legislators can begin to reduce this burden at no cost by approving Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in nursing homes.
Here are the facts:
- CMAs are specially trained CNAs who can administer regular medications under the supervision of an RN
- 38 other states already allow CMAs in nursing homes
- Approving CMAs would allow more room for career growth within nursing homes, which is an added incentive to stay in the workforce
- Approving CMAs would also alleviate the stressors of Patient Per Day (PPD) requirements that can result in hefty fines for nursing homes
- Approving CMAs would allow LPNs and RNs to focus on higher level clinical responsibilities
Contact your legislators today and demand that New York approve this no cost investment into our nursing home workforce.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
The State Legislature has agreed to propose necessary increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates, instituting rebasing every five years, and restoring the cuts the governor had originally proposed. The only one left to convince of the importance of these changes is Governor Hochul herself. Below is a pre-written letter you can sign and send to Governor Hochul to show your support for our seniors and urger her to do the same.
Wording for letter to Governor Kathy Hochul (download here).
STAY IN THE KNOW
- Sign up for the Heritage Advocacy Newsletter to receive up to date information on when we need your support most (select under “Email Lists” options)
- Follow us on Facebook for educational information about the importance of this year’s legislative budgeting period
Heritage wants Medicaid reimbursement to be reformed during the legislative session.
Stay tuned to see how you can help in the coming months. We appreciate your support.
Rural healthcare in Chautauqua County needs your voice now!
New York is seeking input from older adults, individuals, and caregivers on the Master Plan for Aging (MPA). The Master Plan for Aging is designed to ensure that older adults and individuals of all ages can live healthy, fulfilling lives while aging with dignity and independence.
2023 SUMMARY UPDATE
As we rapidly approach a new year and budget cycle, we encourage you to review the 2023 legislative work and advocacy effort outcomes. Heritage thanks you for your support and engagement, as this vital work can only be done with full community support.
To see a full recap of our efforts with our
policy partners, Leading Age New York, click here.
Our team is working to educate legislative and regulatory leaders on our budget requirements.
When Governor Hochul releases her budget for 2024, we look forward to working with you to ensure these measures are confirmed. At Heritage, our critical priorities remain:
- Addressing the ongoing staffing shortage
- Increasing Medicaid reimbursement to a sustainable level
- Reform and rationalization of the Medicaid nursing home reimbursement system
WHY ARE THESE OUR PRIORITIES?
- Staffing shortages have led to over 5,600 bed closures statewide – these shortages lead to overcrowding in our hospitals who have nowhere to discharge patients in need of continued care
- Insufficient Medicaid increases put pressure on both the seniors and communities to bridge an $810 million funding gap – this affects 75% of nursing homes
GET STARTED
The Heritage Ministries public policy team advocates on behalf of our residents, their families, and our staff, to enact policies that will address the needs, quality care, and safety that ensures all our communities are beacons of Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living. Add your voice to ours!
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Sign up to be an advocate!
2. Write to your representative.
3. Like us on Facebook for real-time updates.
4. Contact your representatives (below).
The Real World: Recent Staffing-Related News
“Rural America Is Losing Nursing Homes, and Small Towns Are Reeling”
The loss of long-term-care facilities – and the “deserts” they leave behind – has cascading economic implications for communities.
-Bloomberg; October 11, 2023
“The federal aid directed at hospitals and nursing homes during the early part of the pandemic temporarily covered up the fundamental problems with the industry’s economics, says Kelly Arduino, head of the health-care practice at advisory firm Wipfli. With government assistance winding down, there will be more financial distress and closures. “It’s only going to get worse,” she says. “We all see it coming. We don’t see a mechanism for how to fix it.”
“Across the country, almost 690 nursing homes have shut their doors since 2020, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The American Health Care Association, an industry trade group, expects the number to keep ticking up in the coming years, because of a combination of rising labor costs, falling enrollments and government reimbursements that fall far short of paying the bills…”
Congress is currently considering many issues that affect the lives of seniors and their service providers. We need your help to make sure Congress hears how their actions impact you. Please take a moment to contact your representatives and make your voice heard. Take action today…click here to learn more and contact your representative!
Please contact Sallie Williams, Vice President of Advancement at advocacy@heritage1886.org for more information or to share your concerns.
SAMPLE SOCIAL POSTS FOR YOUR USE
SKILLED NURSING/NURSING HOMES
@GovKathyHochul MUST provide meaningful funding to NY Nursing Homes in this year’s budget! A 1% Medicaid increase after years of cuts is not enough. Nursing Homes need resources to be able to compete for staff and serve residents. All seniors deserve better. #SupportOurSeniors
@GovKathyHochul ALL seniors deserve better funding and support from the state. Nearly 75% of nursing home care is paid for by Medicaid; the rest is mostly Medicare. Better staffing in nursing homes requires better funding than a 1% increase to inadequate rates. #SupportOurSeniors
@GovKathyHochul No funding has been provided to enable nursing homes to meet new staffing mandates, which ignore the reality of the healthcare workforce crisis. We need funding and support for nursing homes, not penalties! We must do better.
@GovKathyHochul NY nursing homes need over 12,000 new nurses and aides to comply with the 3.5 nurse hour mandate. Homes cannot reach this shared goal of enhanced staffing without a substantial Medicaid increase to recruit them. Please #SupportOurSeniors in this budget!
ASSISTED LIVING
@GovKathyHochul State funding is going to Broadway, bars and the Bills, but not for needed COVID relief funding to adult care facilities and assisted living. Don’t leave these residents and staff behind. Please #SupportOurSeniors!
@GovKathyHochul After 14 years without a Medicaid increase, New York’s assisted living programs need more than a 1% increase. Low-income older adults living in these settings deserve better. Please #SupportOurSeniors in the final budget!
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KEY CONTACTS
Please share this message and contact information with family members waiting to see their loved ones - encourage them to contact Governor Hochul today!