In early February 2020, the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee worked to increasing Medicaid funding with State Bill 6515. While this bill was passed by the committee, amendments were made by the Senate Ways and Means Committee which reduced rate increases for 93 nursing homes throughout the state. SSB 6515 was subsequently pulled from consideration on Wednesday by Senate Democrat leadership without further action.
For increases in Long Term Care facilities to happen, it must now go through the traditional state budget process. However, the short session ends on March 12th, 2020. Currently, there are no funding in the proposed State House or Senate budget proposals. In 2018, there was a $116 Million Medicaid payment shortfall. The shortfall, documented by DSHS, showed this payment gap prior to the $1.50 increase in the statewide minimum wage. Currently, Medicaid accounts for 60% of nursing home revenue. Medicaid reimbursements are based on the level of care the patient requires. Washington’s average Medicaid rate for nursing home care is $216 a day. By contrast, Oregon increased their payment average to $326 a day in July 2019. In 2018, Washington had the fourth highest Medicaid shortfall in the country behind Wisconsin, New York and New Hampshire.
This month Delta Rehab in Snohomish became the 19th nursing home facility in Washington to close its doors since the start of 2019.
To make your opinion heard, contact your local state representative.
