Hear from Linda, a resident of St. Ann’s Community, and Michael E. McRae, our president and CEO, as they share the harsh realities of Medicaid underfunding in New York. See the real faces, like Linda’s, who are deeply impacted by these shortages – and why we need your help to advocate for change.
Support St. Ann’s Community and Seniors Everywhere: Advocate for Proper Medicaid Funding
Medicaid funding for nursing homes in New York State is critically underfunded, jeopardizing the care of older adults and impacting entire communities, including St. Ann’s Community. These financial challenges affect the availability of quality care and the well-being of those who depend on it.
Why Is This Important?
- New York ranks among the worst in Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, covering only 76% of care costs.
- 85% of not-for-profit nursing homes experienced operating losses in 2022, threatening their ability to provide quality care.
- Medicaid is the primary payer for nearly 75% of nursing home care in New York, but reimbursement rates are based on outdated 2007 costs, leaving facilities underfunded.
The Impact:
- 97,000 older adults rely on nursing home care daily.
- Inadequate funding affects:
- The ability to pay competitive wages to staff.
- Staffing levels and quality of care.
- The overall well-being and quality of life for residents.
What Needs to Be Done?
In the upcoming State Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, New York has the opportunity to:
- Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates by 20%.
- Restore recent cuts to funding for capital improvement projects.
- Leverage the State’s new acuity adjustment model to promote quality care.