State cuts funds for nursing facilities another $23 million

To the Editor:

It is no secret that the decline in economic conditions over the last year has had a profound effect on businesses, households, and organizations across the country. No one has been immune to this situation and tough decisions have had to be made in order to respond to these economic challenges.

As a long-time provider of nursing home care in Allegany County, I have witnessed the challenges local providers have been faced with in providing quality health care to our county’s elderly in such an economic downturn.

Therefore, I was dismayed to again learn that the governor’s office is cutting reimbursement to nursing homes by another $23 million in order to address its current budget deficit. Budget reductions for nursing homes of this magnitude are not a new phenomenon as some may suspect, but have become rather commonplace.

All told, over the last four years, the state has reduced reimbursements to nursing homes well in excess of $130 million. Ironically, the latest round of cuts only saves the state $8.8 Million after losing federal matching dollars.

In contemplating this recent budget reduction, I cannot help but recall the statement that a society can and will be judged on how it takes care of its elderly. By assuring high quality of care for our seniors, we demonstrate our appreciation and commitment to past generations who fought for our freedom and built the great nation we enjoy today.

Unfortunately, the state is falling short of meeting this goal. Time and time again, political leaders dip into the well of nursing home reimbursement in order to address budget shortfalls. In essence, the State promises to provide care but fails to adequately pay for the care.

This latest round of budget reductions will have a profound and lasting effect on our State’s nursing home industry. All providers will be faced with the challenge of providing the care our seniors deserve with fewer dollars for staff wages, and nursing, dietary, activity, housekeeping, and maintenance resources. These reductions jeopardize not only the quality of care a resident receives but also their very quality of life.

I fully understand that Maryland and the nation face unprecedented economic challenges. However, in addressing Maryland’s budget shortfall, essential healthcare services to our elderly should be the last to be cut, not the first.

Maryland needs to ensure that the steps it takes now in the short-term will not destroy the fabric of the health care system for our state’s elderly in the long-term. There is rarely a second chance to provide quality health care. We owe it to our elderly to uphold our commitments to them.

Jeff Metz, administrator

Egle Nursing and Rehab Center

Lonaconing