In May of 2021, LeadingAge PA reported that pandemic-related costs continue to pile up for providers of skilled nursing homes and these providers need immediate help from the American Rescue Plan. An average 100-bed nursing home accrues over $30,000 per week in uncompensated costs for staff personal protective equipment and ongoing testing of staff and residents. Pennsylvania’s nursing homes need an immediate $396 million to cover the extraordinary costs to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and care for residents.
Personal care homes and assisted living residences have been similarly impacted by the pandemic and should receive an infusion of $50 million to support their ongoing extraordinary costs to maintain resident health, safety, and well-being.
LeadingAge PA has been advocating with the General Assembly on behalf of the providers of skilled nursing, personal care and assisted living facilities. LeadingAge PA has asked the management of Its members to contact their General Assembly representative and senator and tell them why the increase in funding is necessary.
If you wish to join in and advocate for increased funding for your facility, I have attached a template letter that can be modified to send to your representative and senator. I have also attached information that you can use for talking points. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Georgia Goodman (ggoodman@leadingagepa.org) is happy to answer questions and be cc’d on your advocacy correspondence.