SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The nursing home industry is pushing for Illinois lawmakers to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to help continue essential services for seniors.
This comes as 32 skilled nursing homes have closed their doors over the past few years and the largest independent operator in Illinois declared bankruptcy last year.
The current Medicaid reimbursement rate for support services reflects the cost of a skilled nursing facility in 2017, even though the cost of living has increased 35%.
"What we're facing today is a crisis of increased cost without the state formula to be able to cover that," said Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley).
A bipartisan group of senators and representatives told reporters in Springfield that they are committed to getting the reimbursement rate addressed this spring. Some noted that the federal government has been a stable partner for funding these services, but proposed cuts to Medicaid will upend the industry.
Sponsors and advocates said seniors in rural communities have to travel much further for care when their facilities close. They stressed that the rural long-term care crisis is a major concern.
"Our providers are doing everything possible to stretch their budgets and recruit workers, but the math no longer works," said Matt Pickering, Executive Director of the Health Care Council of Illinois. "Without action, more homes will close, caregivers will lose jobs, and vulnerable residents will be left with fewer choices and no access to care close to home.
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