As Democrats and Republicans squared off over conflicting budget priorities, the long-term care industry delivered a message both sides probably didn’t want to hear: Don’t score political points at our expense.
At press time, both the White House and the GOP-controlled House of Representatives were trading talking points over future spending. Adding fuel to the flames: Congress is about to be asked to raise the debt — which now stands at more than $14 trillion — yet again.
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) is leading the GOP charge in the House. His proposal would essentially convert Medicare into a voucher program and provide states with block grants to fund Medicaid.
The White House quickly slammed the plan and used long-term care residents as an example of why Medicaid cuts need to be handled with extreme care.
Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), tactfully reminded lawmakers about what is really at stake.
“Surely, one thing we can all agree upon is that any future federal budgets must maintain our commitment to our nation’s seniors,” he said.
From the May 01, 2011 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
