Maine is facing a crisis that we cannot ignore. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the care continuum have been underfunded for decades. MaineCare pays for about 70% of nursing facility residents. And despite caring for our most vulnerable population, MaineCare reimburses nursing homes less than the cost of care per resident day.
Our healthcare system is already buckling from budget shortages. Fifteen long term care facilities closed in the past three years, and more will indeed close until this crisis is faced head-on. People need long term care, but we don’t have the capacity. Hospitals are full because they have patients better suited for a nursing facility – but there is no capacity.
Underfunding causes facilities to close while our population continues to age. By 2028, our state is estimated to have over 60,000 more residents over 65 than today. Now is not the time to let our limited number of facilities wither away due to underfunding. The Legislature is considering our biennial budget, which includes some funds for long term care. But what is proposed is still merely the status quo. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the recent closures, more is needed.
The shortfall is a crisis that cannot fix itself. The Legislature must ensure its elderly population can access quality care. Without action, the crisis will only worsen, and Maine’s older population will suffer the consequences.
John Bolduc
Executive director, Odd Fellows’ & Rebekahs’ Home of Maine
Auburn
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