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State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
HELPING NURSING HOMES ESCAPE BUDGET CUTS
One of my top priorities over the past two years has been fairly funding our nursing homes and preventing them from receiving cuts as Minnesota attempts to balance the budget. I recognize that these facilities are vital to our rural communities, and that the people who work with our elderly and disabled provide a tremendous service, so I try to do what I can to fight for their interests.
As a first-term member of the House Health Care Policy Committee, one of the things I’ve learned is that Minnesota’s rate equalization law significantly impacts the way our long term care facilities operate. Rate equalization mandates that privately paying individuals, regardless of income or assets, are only required to pay what Medicaid pays for nursing facility care. The state Medicaid rate is currently $20 a day lower than the cost of providing care and Minnesota is one of only two states mandating this process.
Further, if private paying individuals desire to customize or pay for extra services, the equalization law does not allow for that in many cases. A side effect of the requirement that providers charge the MA rate to everyone is that the ability for consumers to elect the services they want, and for providers to make them available, is considerably restricted.
That’s why I support legislation that would reform this rate equalization process, as it would allow nursing homes to provide better services overall. But consistent funding is also needed, even during times of budget deficits.
Not long ago, I cosigned a letter to Governor Pawlenty urging him to restore some of his proposed cuts back to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. During a recent floor debate on a comprehensive health and human services bill, I also supported language that would change reimbursement rates and move toward more equitable nursing home funding for rural Minnesota; prevent nursing homes from paying surcharges on empty beds; and increase nursing home funds by eliminating a state program and reducing family planning grants.
Nursing homes need solvent and strong funding to be successful. As the baby boomers enter their years of retirement, it’s clear we need solutions that will provide for our aging population. Within a $32 billion state budget, lawmakers should be able to prioritize programs that are truly important and cannot endure budget cuts, and for me, nursing homes are near the top of that list.
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