Additional relief for long-term care in the next coronavirus stimulus package will be key to ensuring the safety of residents and workers, the nation’s largest nursing home association emphasized again this week.
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living reissued calls for lawmakers to make long-term care a priority in the next relief bill. Lawmakers headed back to Washington, DC, Tuesday after a month-long break, and passing the next stimulus package is the top agenda item for most.
Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) unveiled a proposed relief bill Tuesday, which calls for liability protections for healthcare professionals and facilities from lawsuits related to the pandemic.
The association said “long-term care residents, primarily vulnerable seniors, and their caregivers must be top of mind for lawmakers.” Specifically, the group has called for an additional $100 billion dedicated funding to long-term care and vaccine priority to residents and staff. It has also called for a two-pronged approach to testing that provides financial support and prioritizes testing for providers and residents.
Testing costs have proven to be “financially unsustainable for many, as providers do their best to comply with state mandates and new federal mandates for nursing homes,” AHCA/NCAL said. It added that the funding could be used to purchase additional supplies needed to respond and defeat the virus in facilities. Resuming visits in long-term care could also depend on stimulus funding.
“While many providers are eager to welcome back visitors, we cannot forget that the virus still poses a considerable threat to residents and staff. Facilities must be able to regularly test residents and staff and have enough gowns, gloves and N95 masks to protect residents, staff and guests. Stimulus funding will enable providers to acquire these essential resources,” the organization said.
