KFF (formally the Kaiser Family Foundation) recently released a brief titled “5 Key Facts About Nursing Facilities and Medicaid”, outlining how proposed Medicaid cuts could significantly impact the quality of care in nursing facilities — even for residents who are not enrolled in Medicaid.
Medicaid plays a vital role in supporting long-term care. Approximately 1.2 million older adults receive care in 15,000 nursing facilities across the U.S. Higher staffing levels are directly linked to better outcomes in these settings. Medicaid helps states fund nursing facility care by increasing staff payment rates and incentivizing better staffing levels. Cutting this funding could lead to staffing reductions and diminished care quality for all residents, regardless of their Medicaid status.
Key Findings from the KFF Report:
- Medicaid covers the majority of nursing home residents. Over 60% of nursing facility residents rely on Medicaid to help cover the cost of their care.
- Medicaid covers 44% of long-term institutional care costs, making it a cornerstone of funding for older adults in the U.S.
- Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten quality of care. Funding cuts could cause states to lower reimbursement rates, likely resulting in staff cuts, lower care quality, and poorer outcomes for all residents, not just Medicaid enrollees.
- Changes to eligibility could limit access. Stricter requirements may make it harder for older adults to qualify for Medicaid, creating barriers to necessary care.
- Staffing standards for long-term care facilities are under debate. A recent court ruling struck down a rule requiring minimum staffing ratios, further complicating efforts to address chronic staffing shortages and improve care standards.
The proposed Medicaid cuts and policy shifts have the potential to undermine care for millions of older adults in nursing facilities. There’s still time to contact your senator and urge them to support Medicaid.
- Call your Members of Congress today. You can find their contact information at: house.gov and senate.gov.
- Send a letter using the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s draft: https://thenationalcouncil.quorum.us/campaign/107658/.