In a House of Representatives hearing held on Thursday, January 13th, Todd Bergstrom, the Association’s Director of Research and Payment, provided testimony as part of the Long-Term Care Imperative to the new house health and human services committee chaired by representative Jim Abeler.

The testimony outlined the funding of long-term care, and the presentation explained the positive economic impact of long-term care on local and state budgets. Also clarified were funding sources for nursing homes and the impact of below-cost Medicaid rates and the state policy of rate equalization on the economic outlook of nursing homes. The explanation to the legislature of the historical perspective on rate setting methodologies and the beneficial impact of rate rebasing on the geographical and historical challenges presented by the past methodology, was met with a positive recognition of the challenges.

In addition, the historical evolution and development of the Elderly Waiver program was outlined. Minnesota has long been leading the nation in the development of a variety of settings for Older Adult Services. The use of Elderly Waiver has been a response to the changing nature of the services and the consumer demand for alternatives. The State's use of this program has led to significant savings in the state budget and higher consumer satisfaction.

The early invitation by the house committee demonstrates that our issues are a top tier issue to this legislature. Our presentation was met with good questions and an acknowledgement of the priority status of long-term care to the budget-setting process.

Toby Pearson
952.851.2480
tpearson@careproviders.org