Again Rejecting 33% HB 1 Medicaid Cut, THCA Says FMAP Phase Out, Deep Federal Medicaid Cuts Increases Threat to Seniors' Care and Texas Jobs

THCA: Additional Negative Medicaid Funding Variables Make 33% Cut "A Disconnect From Reality," Agrees With DMN Editorial Saying Nursing Home Funding Being "Eviscerated"

AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Again warning that proposed 33% cuts to Medicaid-funded nursing and rehab care contained in HB 1 will force many local nursing facilities to close leaving seniors and workers to fend for themselves, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) today warned that not only is the current budget proposal exceedingly dangerous but that deep new cuts to federal Medicaid funding may soon be proposed in the U.S. Congress, according to news reports.

"Pure and simple, the decision of the Texas House of Representatives to slash 33% in Medicaid-funded nursing care is a total disconnect from reality -- and patently ignores dangerous external budget factors now developing on the horizon," warned Tim Graves, President of THCA. "While we are pleased to see voices of reason finally engaging in this critical debate, seniors and caregivers remain in severe jeopardy of seeing a 'forced to close' sign on their local facilities if the House version of HB 1 is  passed."

Graves expressed concern about recent news reports that as much as $1 trillion in federal Medicaid cuts may soon be proposed in Congress. "Without a doubt, still more pressure will soon be exerted on our state Medicaid budget and vulnerable seniors and workers -- and we urge lawmakers to keep their eye on the big picture when moving forward with the budget process."

The THCA leader said he agreed with the characterization made in a 3/30 Dallas Morning News editorial that the House bill "eviscerates spending for nursing homes," and suggested public opinion increasingly concurs with that blunt assessment. "Our plan is to continue doing what we said we will do at the outset: put the facts on the table, and keep reminding local lawmakers that seniors and workers in their districts will be forced out of their facility and our of their jobs."    

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA represents a broad spectrum of long-term care providers and professionals offering long term, rehabilitative and specialized health care services. Member facilities, owned by both for-profit and non-profit entities, include nursing facilities, specialized rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living facilities.

SOURCE Texas Health Care Association

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