| Nursing Homes Warn of Third Spike of COVID Cases Due to Community Spread | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Warn-of-Third-Spike-of-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread.aspx | Nursing Homes Warn of Third Spike of COVID Cases Due to Community Spread | | | | | 10/19/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Oct19-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> today showing nursing homes in the U.S. could see a third spike of increasing new COVID cases due to the community spread among the general population.</div><div><br></div><div>Recent data released by John Hopkins and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show that with the recent spike in new COVID cases in the general U.S. population, weekly nursing home cases rose in late September for the first time in seven weeks after new cases dropped significantly throughout August and early September. According to John Hopkins, COVID cases in the general U.S. population rose by 62,139 cases per week in late September correlating with an uptick in nursing home cases during the week of September 27.</div><div> <br></div><p><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Warn-of-Third-Spike-of-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%201.png" alt="chart 1.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p></p><div>As <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Analysis-COVID-Outbreaks-in-Nursing-Homes.pdf" target="_blank">experts</a> have repeatedly noted, COVID-19 cases in a surrounding community is a top factor in outbreaks in nursing homes. Dr. David Grabowski, professor of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School recently <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/covid-19-surges-back-into-nursing-homes-in-coronavirus-hot-spots/2020/08/13/edbff5fe-dd75-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html" target="_blank">stated</a>, “The strongest predictor of whether or not we’ll see cases in [a particular setting] is community spread.”</div><div><br></div><div>“The number one factor in keeping COVID out of our nursing homes, so we can protect our vulnerable population is reducing the level of the virus in the surrounding community,” stated Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “While the support we have received from Congress, the Administration and other public health agencies have helped our facilities fight this battle, we could still see another wave of COVID cases caused by the sheer volume of rising cases in communities across the U.S. given the asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread of this virus.”</div><div><br></div><div>The report showed new COVID cases in nursing homes had declined significantly from 10,125 cases the week of July 26 —when the country experienced a growing number of cases in the <a href="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/REPORT-COVID-Cases-in-Nursing-Homes-Surpass-Peak-Level-Back-in-May.aspx" target="_blank">Sun Belt states</a>—but saw an uptick in new cases in the final week of September. </div><div><br></div><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Warn-of-Third-Spike-of-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%202.png" alt="chart 2.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></div><p>The report also showed COVID-related deaths in nursing homes had declined significantly, but industry leaders remain concerned about the recent uptick in new COVID cases in facilities.<br><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Warn-of-Third-Spike-of-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%203.png" alt="chart 3.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><div>With new COVID cases now rising in the general population of 38 states, Parkinson said now more than ever Congress needs to end the partisan logjam and prioritize frontline health care workers and residents, particularly vulnerable elderly populations.</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the $175 billion Provider Relief Fund provided by the CARES Act back in April has already been distributed and Parkinson said health care providers, including long term care facilities, will need additional funds to continue its response to the COVID pandemic heading into the cold and flu season, which provides new challenges.</div><div><br></div><div>“Without replenishing funds for federal and state agencies, health care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, could find themselves less than completely prepared for the challenges of the upcoming winter season, which could inevitably result in an uptick in new COVID cases,” stated Parkinson. “Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. will repeat the same mistakes made during the initial outbreak last spring and the major spike over the summer. We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living communities, by passing another COVID funding package before they leave town for the elections.”</div><div><br></div><div>For more information, please visit www.<a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></div> | AHCA/NCAL released a report today showing nursing homes in the U.S. could see a third spike of increasing new COVID cases due to the community spread among the general population. | With COVID cases increasing in 38 states, industry leaders call on public health officials to ensure nursing homes have resources needed and for Congress to pass additional funding |
| Report: Nursing Home Cases Through September 27, 2020 | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Oct19-2020.pdf | Report: Nursing Home Cases Through September 27, 2020 | | | | | 10/19/2020 4:00:00 AM | | | Nursing homes in the U.S. could see a third spike of increasing new COVID cases due to the community spread among the general population. | |
| Financial Challenges Continue To Affect Nursing Homes, Emphasizing Need For Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Financial-Challenges-Continue-To-Affect-Nursing-Homes,-Emphasizing-Need-For-Higher-Medicaid-Reimbursement-Rates.aspx | Financial Challenges Continue To Affect Nursing Homes, Emphasizing Need For Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates | | | | | 10/14/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, widespread financial challenges loom over many long term care facilities. One of the root causes of these challenges is Medicaid underfunding. Prior to the pandemic, shortfalls in Medicaid funding had forced providers to operate on shoestring budgets and suffer net losses year after year. Now, these problems have been magnified due to the cost to fight the pandemic.</div><div><br></div><div>Here’s how Medicaid shortfalls occur:</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Medicaid, the primary payer for nursing homes, covers more than 60 percent of all nursing home residents and approximately 50 percent of costs for long term care services.</li><li>Medicaid reimbursements, on the other hand, only cover 70 to 80 percent of the actual cost of care.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Low Medicaid reimbursement rates, coupled with the financial hardships from the pandemic, threaten the viability of the entire long term care sector. An American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Survey-SNF-COVID-Costs.pdf" target="_blank">survey</a> found that more than half of nursing homes are currently operating at a loss and 72 percent of nursing homes say they won’t be able to sustain operation another year at the current pace. </div><div><br></div><div>The consequences of these hardships are coming to fruition. Nursing homes and assisted living communities in <a href="https://www.kcra.com/article/woodland-nursing-home-covid-19-close-ceo/33395043#" target="_blank">California</a>, <a href="https://newcountry991.com/estes-park-nursing-home-faces-possible-closure/" target="_blank">Colorado</a>, <a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2020/07/nursing-home-employees-shocked-after-learning-about-facilitys-closure-in-mlive-article.html" target="_blank">Michigan</a>, <a href="https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/merrimack-assisted-living-facility-closing-its-doors/article_ac8b9f8b-ee5e-55cf-a155-0ddc4d46c2ac.html" target="_blank">New Hampshire</a>, <a href="https://westchester.news12.com/105yearold-ossining-nursing-home-to-close-doors-for-good-42409607" target="_blank">New York</a> and <a href="https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/providence-nursing-home-to-close-citing-covid-19-losses/" target="_blank">Rhode Island</a> have announced closures or have warned of possible closures, which will force residents to abruptly move and find new care. These relocations often lead to residents living further away from loved ones. </div><div><br></div><div>The situation is dire for many, and long term care leaders are calling for action.</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Rhode Island Health Care Association Executive Director Scott Fraser <a href="https://turnto10.com/news/local/nursing-home-industry-in-ri-urges-the-state-to-raise-medicaid-funding" target="_blank">says</a> the industry is facing a “funding crisis” and is concerned about the future for nursing homes. A report submitted to the state shows that nursing homes lost $7 million in 2017 and 2018. He’s calling on the state to boost reimbursement rates to keep up with inflation. </li><li>Nursing home representatives in New Hampshire testified before a state legislative committee that without higher reimbursement rates, facilities will be unable to address staffing shortages and increase wages. One organization president <a href="https://manchesterinklink.com/state-criticized-for-low-medicaid-payments-to-nursing-homes/" target="_blank">said</a> that they lose $45 per day per Medicaid resident. Medicaid residents, he says, make up 80 percent of all of their residents. </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>CARES Act funding that long term care facilities have received thus far has helped, but with potential surges of COVID-19, it’s important that they continue to get needed support. AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson recently told <a href="https://skillednursingnews.com/2020/10/parkinson-cares-act-will-keep-nursing-homes-above-water-in-2020-but-closures-loom-in-2021/" target="_blank">Skilled Nursing News</a>, “If we don’t get assistance beyond that point, beyond the end of 2020 into 2021, that’s when you’re going to see that large percentage of buildings that say that they’re operating at a loss, that’s where you’re going to see potential closures.” </div><div><br></div><div>Long-term solutions are needed to ensure facilities can continue providing high-quality care for their residents. An important place to start is making sure Medicaid reimbursement rates keep up with the cost of care.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, widespread financial challenges loom over many long term care facilities. One of the root causes of these challenges is Medicaid underfunding. | |
| AHCA/NCAL Kicks Off 71st Convention Virtually | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCANCAL-Kicks-Off-71st-Convention-Virtually.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Kicks Off 71st Convention Virtually | | | | | 10/8/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <div><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. —</strong> Today the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) kicked off its first ever virtual Convention & Expo. The Association’s virtual Convention will take place through the rest of October, with 70 on-demand education sessions and 20 live or simu-live sessions. </div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">“Our virtual Convention will safely connect long term care professionals with valuable on-demand education to help us identify solutions that improve and protect the lives of our most vulnerable individuals during this unprecedented time,” said Mark Parkinson, the president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Every Thursday during the Convention, AHCA/NCAL will offer general sessions that feature distinguished guest speakers. Today’s general session includes astronaut Captain Scott Kelly, presential historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Leon Logothetis, global adventurer and motivational speaker. The remaining “Get-Together Thursdays” include: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">The 14th Annual NCAL Day on Thursday, October 15, where assisted living providers can enjoy thought-provoking education specifically tailored to the sector. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">An association update from Parkinson, AHCA Board Chair Debbie Meade, NCAL Board Chair Helen Crunk, and NCAL Executive Director Scott Tittle on Thursday, October 15. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">Closing keynote speaker Kindra Hall, president and chief storytelling officer of Steller Collective on Thursday, October 22. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">The National Quality Award Program Ceremony on Thursday, October 22; and </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">A special concert and live Q&A session with singer, songwriter and record producer Andy Grammer on Thursday, October 22. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">“The staff on the front lines are fighting relentlessly to do the right thing, the right way, to protect our residents during one of the worst times most of us have ever experienced. We are resilient, and Convention allows us to come together, so we can get through these incredible challenges even stronger,” said AHCA Board Chair Debbie Meade. </span></div><div><br></div><div>As of October 8, more than 1,500 long term care professionals had registered to attend the AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo, although individuals are welcome to register throughout the entire month of October. To see the full schedule and learn more visit <a href="https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/AHCANCAL/" target="_blank">www.ahcaconvention.org</a>. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL </strong><br></div><div><br></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org. <br></div><p><br></p> | | Remarks from Captain Scott Kelly, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Leon Logothetis featured in Opening Session |