Alliance for Senior Care Hosts Local Legislators to Advocate for Medicaid Reiumbursement
(August 3, 2023—ROCHESTER, NY) The Alliance for Senior Care, of which St. John’s is a founding member, hosted legislators at Jewish Senior Life to thank government officials for their support around increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates to New York State’s nursing homes and discuss furthering the agenda for future rate increases and rebasing strategies.
Over this past year’s budget cycle, the Alliance for Senior Care worked together to advocate for an increased Medicaid rate due to the rising cost of care, regulatory requirements, and the shortage of health care workers. Despite not having a rate increase in 15 years, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul only proposed a 5% Medicaid increase in the Executive Budget proposal. Both houses of the Legislature then proposed a 10% increase for nursing homes, finally arriving at a 7.5% Medicaid increase. As a result, nursing homes will continue to struggle with recruitment and retention which will impact access to long-term care and hospital services for many older adults.
“We’re extremely grateful that Robert J. Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce could bring all of us together to personally thank our local legislators and representatives for their continued support,” says Glen Cooper, Chair of the Alliance for Senior Care and President and CEO of Friendly Senior Living. Cooper continues, “I also want to thank our fellow Alliance members—Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, Jewish Senior Life, St. Ann’s Community, and St. John’s—for their continued advocacy work throughout the past year. The rate provided to nursing homes is not enough to ensure access to care for the people we serve, and we will continue to advocate for their best interest and the quality of life they deserve.”
About the Alliance for Senior Care IPA, LLC
The Alliance for Senior Care is a consortium of five not-for-profit skilled nursing facilities in Greater Rochester that includes Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, Friendly Senior Living, Jewish Senior Life, St. Ann’s Community, and St. John’s. The Alliance was first formed in May 1997 to address industry issues, generate cost savings and share best practices.
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