ST. PAUL — Care facilities throughout the state – including several in District 8A – would receive substantial funding increases through a Health and Human Services bill (H.F. 1638) the House passed early Wednesday morning.
"One of the most positive things about this legislation is it provides a significant investment in our nursing homes and helps to diminish disparities in state reimbursement rates that have left Greater Minnesota at a disadvantage," said Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls. "We live in an aging society and face increasing demand for long-term care, so this increased support will help to ensure citizens receive the care they deserve."
The House HHS bill implements a statewide reimbursement system that will result in a funding increase for nursing homes, particularly in Greater Minnesota, totaling more than $138 million. In addition, the bill includes $90 million for a one-time, 5-percent cost-of-living adjustment for home and community-based care workers.
According to non-partisan House Research, nursing home facilities in District 8A would receive substantial increases in 2016 under the House Republican proposal, including:
-
Perham Living, Perham: $1.9 million increase (38.5 percent increase)
-
Pioneer Care Center, Fergus Falls: $1.6 million increase (33.3 percent increase)
-
Good Samaritan Society, Battle Lake: $640,804 increase (26.5 percent increase)
-
Broen Memorial Home, Fergus Falls: $1.7 million increase (36.4 percent increase)
-
Pelican Valley Health Center, Pelican Rapids: 445,772 increase (25.7 percent increase)
The bill passed the House 72-60. It now advances to a conference committee, which will work to resolve differences between respective House and Senate HHS proposals in preparation for final passage.
-30-