The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
The Illinois State Budget has been passed again and unfortunately it reflects the immense impact of 9/11 and a poor economic situation has had upon our state.
One of the hardest hit is our state's elderly, specifically those needing nursing home care. The recently passed budget has made a huge 5.9% cut in our Medicaid rates. Compound that with the fact that the state is 3 to 4 months behind on the money they owe us, which forces us to borrow money and pay interest on that money.
Unknown to most residents of Illinois is that we also pay a $1.50 per bed tax on each licensed bed per day. If we are late with our quarterly payment, the state charges us interest.
We pay this tax whether the bed is occupied or not. For us, that tax amounted to a total of $36,136.00 for the past year.
Unfortunately, when the state does not properly fund nursing home care, that burden is shifted unfairly to the private-pay rates through rate increases.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 33 nursing homes throughout the state have filed for bankruptcy. With the 5.9% rate cut going into effect on July 1st of this year, many more will follow suit.
It is very disheartening to project the not so distant future and visualize what the state of health care for the elderly will be.Where and how will you and your loved ones be cared for, and who will do it?
We drastically need your assistance in contacting your state and federal senators and representatives to ask them to give a sufficient level of funding to the nursing home industry. Without proper funding, we cannot properly pay our staff a competitive, professional wage.
The nursing home industry is the most heavily regulated industry in the nation, and at the same time, the most poorly funded. We are in a crisis situation in the nursing home industry.
Don't let the politicians tell you that these cuts are not significant.
A 5.9% cut in our Medicaid rate will possibly cost us $83,000.00 for next year. That amounts to approximately 12,000 Certified Nursing Aid hours of work. Without that time, who will provide the necessary care your loved ones deserve.
At this same time legislators are receiving raises, hosting parties at Navy Pier, receiving huge bonuses for work they are hired to do, and spending large sums on pork barrel projects.
In this election year, let them know our first priority should be the elderly who have done so much in the past for the state. Is it right or just to turn our backs on them now? Let your legislators know that we will hold them accountable in November.
Respectfully,
Richard W. Clifton, Administrator
Oaklane Nursing & Rehab.- Stronghurst