WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement today in support of the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610), which is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. Senate on Thursday.
The statement is attributable to Clif Porter, senior vice president of government relations at AHCA/NCAL.
“It is vitally important that the Senate stands with America’s seniors and passes this legislation. This bill would temporarily reduce or delay cuts to Medicare scheduled for 2022 that would impact skilled nursing, as well as physicians, therapists, clinical labs, portable x-ray, and other providers who administer essential services to seniors in long term and post-acute care facilities.
“These payment rate stabilization measures will help ensure continued beneficiary access to critically important healthcare services as the pandemic continues and long term care providers face an ongoing economic crisis. However, while we appreciate the provisions in this legislation, they will only provide temporary relief.
“We urge Members of the Senate to prioritize our nation’s seniors in long term care and vote in favor of this bill. Once enacted, we would look forward to working with policymakers to advance permanent solutions in the coming year.”