WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 15,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, issued the following statement in reaction to the House of Representatives passing the reconciliation package, which includes changes to Medicaid, advancing the bill to the President’s desk for signature.
Please attribute the following to Clif Porter, President & CEO at AHCA/NCAL:
“The essential role that long term care plays in our nation’s healthcare system has been in the spotlight as lawmakers make difficult decisions to find savings, especially in the restructuring of provider taxes. We appreciate the clear signal by Congress that seniors and individuals with disabilities in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities need to be protected. “The reality remains that Medicaid is underfunded, and there are limited resources available to meet the growing demand for care. Provider taxes are a necessary tool in supporting states’ ability to fund daily services and supports for those on Medicaid, and any reduction in resources within the overall care continuum cannot be taken lightly.
“As the bill advances to the President’s desk, we urge the Administration to solidify vital protections to advance the changing and expanding needs of our nation’s most vulnerable and the providers who care for them every day. We are grateful to the many leaders who have worked diligently to hear the concerns of our profession and who have advocated to protect long term care throughout the process.”
To learn more about the role of Medicaid in covering long term care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, visit the
AHCA/NCAL website.