The Texas Coalition for Long Term Care Business Warns No New Medicaid Funding for Nursing Homes Will Hurt Rural Business Supporting Long Term Care Sector

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concerned that rural-based long term care businesses supporting skilled nursing care in Texas will be negatively impacted by repeated Medicaid and Medicare funding cuts already being absorbed by nursing homes, the Texas Coalition for Long Term Care Business (CLTCB) urged state legislators today to make elder care a priority during ongoing budget debates in Austin.

"It is critical for our state lawmakers to understand that consecutive harsh and deep funding cuts to nursing home care not only have an impact on providers but on the long term care businesses that make it possible for seniors to receive quality care services, in particular those based in rural communities," said Buddy Parker, representative of First Choice Medical Supply in Garland, TX and a CLTCB member.  "A recent statewide survey indicates 72% of nursing homes polled have already had to reduce staff or freeze benefits and wages and providers are still operating with a Medicaid rate far below the actual cost of care.  This lack of appropriate funding always makes an impact first in the rural parts of the state where seniors need nearby access to care and our businesses provide jobs and contribute to the local tax base."

Parker pointed out that 51% of the survey sample represents rural nursing homes and the long term care businesses that serve them will be hit hard should those facilities be forced to make further cuts in services due to a chronically lagging Medicaid rate for Texas skilled nursing care. 

"Texas has always supported a thriving business community and health care is one of the leading sectors contributing to our improving state economy," noted Parker.  "Rural businesses are a lifeline for our rural towns and the people who live and work there.  It's important that the Medicaid rate for skilled nursing care not get lost in budget discussions or pushed to the bottom of the list for consideration.  Nursing homes struggling to provide quality care to elderly residents are not what Texas wants for our frail seniors living in rural communities or the businesses that work hard to support them."

SOURCE Texas Coalition for Long Term Care Business