Medicaid Cuts Could Devastate Florida Seniors in Nursing Homes

In Nursing Homes Across Florida, Elderly Residents Have Much to Lose from the Spending Cuts Proposed in Washington, D.C.

Medicaid is the primary payer for nursing-home care in Florida — and the only way that two-thirds of nursing-home residents can afford help with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing.

What Would Happen if Florida No Longer Had the Money to Pay for Senior Care?

Would family members need to step in and provide the care, or pay the bill? Would some nursing homes close?

These Questions are Top of Mind in Florida as Congress Looks at Where to Make Federal Cuts.

Medicaid offers health coverage for people with limited income and resources. Any federal-government cuts to Medicaid could affect about 700,000 seniors in Florida now covered, including those in long-term care facilities, as well as those who may need skilled nursing or home health care in the future.

A Nursing-Home Owner’s Perspective

Shawn Corley, president of Solaris HealthCare Properties, worries about the day he cannot accept a new Medicaid resident at one of his 20 long-term care facilities in Florida. It has him tuned in to every federal action focused on spending cuts and their impact on Medicaid.

“Any significant cuts could devastate the care we provide,” Corley said. “You could see financial instability for providers like us, and that can lead to closures of buildings, then displacement of residents, or a population that is under-serviced by limited beds available.”

The repercussions of cuts also could affect nursing-home employees, as well as residents’ family members, he notes.

Seniors Who Get Care at Home

Over 90% of seniors say they would rather age at home than in a long-term care facility. The cuts, however, could threaten the amount of in-home care they receive, their access to adult daycare and medical equipment coverage.

Seniors could also be required to pay for all types of medical services now covered by their Medicaid plans.

Why Seniors are at Risk

Although Medicaid funds myriad programs for other age groups in Florida, the highest spending is on seniors and people with disabilities (78%). The U.S. average is 51%, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

“If the state has to reduce Medicaid spending and most of the money is going to older adults and people with disabilities, you can expect a big target on older adults and people with disabilities,” said the center’s Leo Cuello.

Options for Reducing Medicaid Spending

• Make it more difficult for Floridians to become eligible for Medicaid
• Reduce covered services such as home care or certain prescription drugs
• Cut provider reimbursement rates, making it less appealing to accept Medicaid

Conclusion

Medicaid cuts could have a devastating impact on Florida’s seniors, leaving many without access to necessary care and services. With the majority of nursing-home residents relying on Medicaid, the loss of this funding could be catastrophic. It is crucial that policymakers consider the long-term effects of these cuts and work to find alternative solutions that prioritize the well-being of Florida’s seniors.

FAQs

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage for people with limited income and resources.

What is the impact of Medicaid cuts on Florida’s seniors?

The cuts could have a devastating impact on Florida’s seniors, leaving many without access to necessary care and services.

How many seniors in Florida rely on Medicaid?

About 700,000 seniors in Florida rely on Medicaid, including those in long-term care facilities, as well as those who may need skilled nursing or home health care in the future.

What are the options for reducing Medicaid spending?

Policymakers may consider making it more difficult for Floridians to become eligible for Medicaid, reducing covered services, or cutting provider reimbursement rates.