The Medicaid Crisis and Its Impact on Senior Care & Healthcare Access
Access to quality nursing home care is something many of us will need—whether for a loved one, ourselves, or even as part of a hospital recovery. But right now, New York’s skilled nursing facilities are in crisis due to years of inadequate Medicaid funding, and the effects are being felt across the entire healthcare system.
St. Ann’s President & CEO, Michael E. McRae, recently addressed local legislators on this urgent issue.
Watch his powerful message here:
Key Issues at a Glance:
✅ Demand for Skilled Nursing is Growing – By 2040, the number of individuals over age 85 is expected to double, increasing the need for long-term care. (0:30)
✅ Nursing Homes Are Essential to the Healthcare System – When nursing homes can’t accept patients, hospitals back up, emergency rooms overflow, and surgeries get delayed. (2:31)
✅ Medicaid Reimbursement Has Not Kept Up – Nursing homes receive just $200 per day per resident, yet that must cover 24/7 skilled care, meals, therapy, and more—less than the cost of a single hotel night. (5:48)
✅ Hundreds of Nursing Home Beds Remain Unused – Not because there isn’t demand, but because there isn’t enough funding to hire staff. In Monroe County alone, 700 beds sit empty due to staffing shortages caused by financial constraints. (3:33)
✅ How You Can Help – We need better Medicaid funding to sustain long-term care and prevent further strain on hospitals and healthcare providers. (8:19)
Why This Matters to Everyone
Even if you or your family don’t need nursing home care today, this crisis affects every part of the healthcare system. Without proper funding, hospitals will continue to struggle with overcrowding, families will face longer wait times for care, and seniors will have fewer options when they need skilled nursing.
Your voice matters. Advocacy is key to securing the funding needed to ensure nursing homes can continue providing high-quality care for those who need it most.