ALBERT LEA, MN—Representative Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, and Representative Joe Schomacker, R-Luverne, Chair of the House Aging and Long-Term Care Committee visited two Albert Lea area nursing homes Tuesday, touring the facilities and holding listening sessions with residents and staff at the Thorne Crest Retirement Center and the Good Samaritan Society.
Reforms passed during the 2015 session will result in over $138 million in increased funding for Minnesota nursing homes by changing the Medicaid reimbursement formula to focus more on cost of care. In 2016, Throne Crest Retirement Center will see $551,049 in additional funding, a 21.44% increase. Good Samaritan Society will see an overall increase of $1,653,007 (32.77%).
The legislature also passed two scholarship programs aimed at bolstering the long-term care and health professional workforce. It's estimated that there are approximately 3,000 nursing home job vacancies currently in Minnesota. Legislators had a chance to visit with staff and residents to discuss these reforms and how their facility will be impacted.
"It's so important that we care for our aging loved ones, and make sure that they receive the quality care they deserve," Rep. Bennett said. "I am so thankful we were able to pass these bipartisan reforms that will help keep our nursing homes and care centers open ensuring that seniors can stay close to their families and remain close to their community. I enjoyed the opportunity to share this good news today and am grateful that Rep. Schomacker was able to hear from staff and residents here in our area."
"These visits help us hear directly from residents and staff about the challenges facing care centers in all corners of Minnesota," added Rep. Schomacker. "We passed historic bipartisan reforms in 2015, but with a growing senior population and continuing workforce challenges there's still more work to be done."
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