It’s no secret the political landscape in Washington, D.C. has been very dynamic amid significant changes in leadership and policy objectives. Therefore, it’s more critical than ever for senior living and long-term care (LTC) providers to stay informed about current developments that could have substantial impacts on the future of Medicaid reimbursement.
Congress recently passed a compromise budget resolution bill that will initiate a detailed reconciliation process. In recent discussions, Congress deliberated on reforming certain rules within the Medicaid provider tax program. A majority of states across the country utilize a provider tax to help fund payments for Medicaid beneficiaries that reside in long-term care facilities.
Funded at its current levels, the tax provider program allows essential care to be provided to our nation’s seniors. Without this tax in place, states would need to either increase their share of Medicaid spending to sustain the same level of funding, or alternatively reduce Medicaid services, eligibility, or payment rates. Reductions in the provider tax program may strain state Medicaid systems, and LTC organizations should be aware and prepared for any potential changes.
Our professionals at Forvis Mazars are committed to helping senior living and LTC organizations develop the core capabilities necessary to understand and adapt to the impact of evolving federal policies and congressional legislation.
Tune in to our biweekly Washington Watch Healthcare Briefings on the “Achieving Health” podcast to stay up on the latest developments. These updates also provide valuable insights into your industry associations’ advocacy efforts and educational resources, focusing on Medicaid reimbursement—a key industry issue.
If you have questions about upcoming policy changes and how they may affect your organization, please reach out to a professional on our team.