Nevada calls on Gov. Gibbons to ensure enhanced funding protects eldercare, local jobs
LAS VEGAS – Nevada Health Care Association praised the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives’ approval to extend emergency Medicaid relief (FMAP) until June 30, 2011, saying the $56 million in additional funding for Nevada’s Medicaid program will help the state’s most vulnerable seniors retain access to quality care, while protecting key frontline health jobs.
“We applaud the U.S. Senate for taking the appropriate action to pass vital Medicaid relief, and we now urge our governor and state lawmakers to make sure these funds are used to protect the healthcare needs of our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Charles Perry, executive director of Nevada Health Care Association, which represents more than 50 skilled nursing and long term care facilities across Nevada. “However, even with these additional federal funds, there will still be a significant gap of $23 million in our state budget.”
Skilled nursing and long term care facilities across Nevada rely on adequate Medicaid funding to provide quality care and local caregiver job stability. With the extension of emergency Medicaid relief, Governors have the needed assistance to help avoid further reductions to Medicaid-financed care and services.
“We now look forward to turning our efforts to the state house, urging Gov. Gibbons to remember those living in nursing and assisted living facilities, and the people who care for them every day,” added Perry. “We must work together to safeguard the elderly and disabled members of our community that need our protection and care.”
The Nevada Health Care Association is a non-profit organization of long term care facilities and associate members, together representing nearly 50 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, and sub-acute care providers that care for over 6,000 elderly and disabled individuals statewide and employ more than 8,000 Nevadans.
For more information regarding Nevada Health Care Association or the annual meeting and conference, please call 702-434-2273 or visit www.NVHCA.org.