Underfunding Leads to Nursing Home Negligence and Reduced Access to Care

Donald Caminiti

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A recent study revealed that Medicaid is underfunding state long-term care efforts by $4.2 billion this year, according to a new analysis of Medicaid financing released Wednesday by the American Health Care Association.

The funding shortfall, combined with the crippled economy and almost guaranteed state budget cuts next fiscal year, could threaten access to care and/or lead to substandard care at nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.

Hardest hit by the under funding are New York and Illinois, who came up short by $548.1 million and $379.3 million respectively. Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey filled out the top five.