THCA: New Federal Report Shows Importance of Skilled Nursing Facility Sector to Texas, National Jobs Growth

U.S. Department of Labor Says Health Care Employment Slated for Major Gains Between 2010-2020

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Citing a new report from the U.S. Department of Labor and a corresponding analysis of that report by the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) today said Texas' skilled nursing facility (SNF) sector will continue to be a significant source of new jobs throughout the state, and urged federal lawmakers to ensure funding adequacy as Congress and the President begin shaping the federal budget for the year ahead.

"Meeting Texas seniors' ongoing care needs as well as sustaining a strong workforce and local jobs base for the future is contingent on adequate Medicaid funding levels from Austin in the face of more possible cuts to Medicare in Washington," stated Tim Graves, President of THCA. "We urge the President to oppose both Medicare and Medicaid cuts in the FY 2013 federal budget since our profession and the patients we serve have been hit by a barrage of funding cuts and regulatory rulings over the past several years."

In its most recent jobs report, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the health care and social assistance sector will gain the most new jobs – 5.6 million of the 20.5 million new jobs the agency predicts will be created between 2010 and 2020. An initial analysis of the report by the AHCA Research Department shows that the top 4 of the 22 major occupational groups flagged for the greatest growth in employment in this decade are in the field of health care -- with construction and extraction occupations rounding out the top five growth areas.

"As upwards of 70 percent of facility costs related directly to staffing, and with a full 80 to 85 percent of Texas nursing home residents dependent upon either Medicaid or Medicare funding for their care, any additional federal cuts to either key program in the year ahead is simply not an option," Graves continued.

The THCA leader said there would always be a direct correlation between adequate Medicare and Medicaid funding, quality patient care, and the ongoing stability of Texas' long-term care workforce.  He urged lawmakers to find common ground in 2012 to ensure every Texas senior continues to have ready access to quality long term and post-acute care.

"We will vigorously oppose any attempts to reduce more federal funding, and, as we have in the past, will make clear the vital nature of our facilities to local seniors, local jobs and our communities at-large," Graves said.

To review the BLS data, please go to www.bls.gov.

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA represents a broad spectrum of long term care providers and professionals offering long term, rehabilitative and specialized health care services. Member facilities, owned by both for-profit and non-profit entities, include nursing facilities, specialized rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living facilities.

SOURCE Texas Health Care Association