Cuts to Medicaid: How Long-Term Care Facilities Will be Impacted

ZANESVILLE, Ohio— Long-term health care facilities across Ohio are already feeling the pressure from potential Medicaid cuts that could jeopardize care for some of the most vulnerable residents.

The Oaks at Bethesda, a long-term care facility in Zanesville, staff pride themselves on their award-winning care and accommodations; from theme weeks to social events that keep residents active and connected to social areas around the Oaks. But that level of care may soon be harder to maintain.

The House Budget Committee advanced a budget reconciliation bill on May 18 that includes changes to Medicaid funding, those changes could have a direct impact on Ohioans.

“Out of the 55 long-term residents about half of those rely on the Medicaid payer to assist them with their everyday needs, especially those that need 24-hour care, so it’s very important for them to be able to age with grace and dignity,” Tiffany Goins The Oaks at Bethesda executive director said.

Roughly half of The Oaks’ residents rely on Medicaid to access daily, around-the-clock care. Staff worry that slashing money from the budget could force facilities around the globe to make hard decisions.

Erin Hart, Strategy Director at The Ohio Healthcare Association, wants the community to know just how close to home this cut can hit.

“If we were to strip 6 billion dollars in the state Medicaid budget there’s nowhere to get that from, we’re not the federal government, we can’t just print money,” Hart said. “We have to balance our budget every year. So, the only way for the state to offset that is to cut provider rates. If we can’t afford to care for people in our facilities, where will they go?” 

“To us it’s a non-negotiable situation. We need to provide care for these folks, there’s no other way to do it,” Hart added.

As lawmakers continue to debate the future of Medicaid funding, providers say the stakes couldn’t be higher for facilities, staff, and the seniors they serve.