The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
The Illinois 93rd General Assembly, literally at the last minute of the Spring session, handed Gov. Blagojevich the new budget.
This budget does not address the looming crisis in health care facing the most vulnerable of our society, the sick and frail, elderly citizens of Illinois, but would rather continue to tax the very bed many of our citizens sleep in.
Nursing homes in Illinois are forced to pay a bed tax "Granny Tax." At present, every nursing home bed in Illinois is taxed $1.50 a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, whether the bed is being used or not.
Proposed changes to this tax could result in a 300% increase (up to $6.50 a day). 60% of nursing home residents in Illinois are on public aid.
The fundamental reasoning for "taxation" is to preserve and promote our society as a whole. Is taxing the bed of our elderly citizens in a nursing home promoting our society?
Many of Illinois nursing homes are "not for profit" homes run by municipalities, county agencies or boards made up of citizens concerned with the welfare of our elderly.
Governor Blagojevich has proposed a 500% increase in licenser fees for "not for profit" nursing homes.
These tax and fee increases are unjust considering that the public aid reimbursement rate, frozen by ex Governor Ryan is still in place.
Governor Blagojevich proposes to change the public aid reimbursement rate. At present, a Chicago nursing home can get up to $110 a day to care for an elderly citizen. In down state Illinois, the state can pay 35% less or $70 to $75 a day, which is below the actual cost.
At first glance, the Governor's proposal to overhaul the public aid reimbursement system is commendable.
The saying "buyer beware" is in order after reading the fine print of this legislation.
There is a two year hold harmless clause, meaning down state nursing homes may not see a change in their reimbursement rate for 2 years.
Governor Blagojevich said he is ending business as usual in Springfield.
If Blagojevich does not stop trying to balance his budget on the backs of our poor, business as usual could end down state.
If you would like to be a voice for the most vulnerable in our society, stop in or contact LaHarpe Davier Health Care on how you can help.
Carl Lee
President of LaHarpe
Hospital Association