HELP LIKELY ON THE WAY FOR STATE NURSING HOMES
Thursday, February 16th, 2006 -- 11:39 AM
A State Senator says Wisconsin's nursing home reimbursement rate needs to be increased. A bill providing an extra 27-million-dollars to help pay for state-funded patient care in nursing homes is on its way to the senate floor. State Senator Ron Brown (R-Eau Claire) expects a fast response."I've got all the reason in the world to believe the Governor is going to sign this," Brown says. "The nursing homes need the money -- they needed it yesterday, actually."
The legislature's Joint Finance Committee unanimously approved the bill this week. Brown says support has been building because nursing homes statewide are showing the financial strain.
"They've cut back on programs, they've cut back on staff. They've done all they can do to continue to deliver the quality services they've delivered in the past. Frankly, they're in a desperate situation."
Ths the additional funding will help nursing homes remain open, but a more permanent solution is needed, Brown says.
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