Groups back insurance rule
The American Health Care Association and LeadingAge will not ask for waivers for mandated employee health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.Starting in 2014, the ACA requires businesses with more than 50 employees to offer affordable health insurance or risk paying a penalty. Some nursing home operators have balked, arguing that offering all employees health insurance would require them to pass along price increases to their residents. In June, 24 nursing home resident advocacy groups sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services demanding denial of a waiver.
LeadingAge agrees, with President and CEO Larry Minnix saying “we believe all people who care for the aging should receive livable compensation and benefits, most importantly, health insurance.” AHCA spokeswoman Beth Martino said her organization supports the mandate, but that some members face challenges because of a high Medicaid population. AHCA is looking for options to help those facilities "keep their doors open and continue serving those in long-term care,” she said.
