Obama opens the door for drastic new Medicare, Medicaid cuts for nursing homes

Democratic candidate Barack Obama last night was elected the next president of the United States. His proposals for long-term care include financing reform.

Obama also has championed higher pay for caregivers, increased nurse training and more funding for home-care initiatives. Long-term care financing reform, for the first time, was part of the Democratic party’s platform. Obama also sponsored the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, which would establish a national insurance program to help pay for those with long-term care costs. During his presidency, nursing home operators could experience heightened union organizing activity.

Obama beat Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who proposed alternatives to institutional long-term care and supported Medicaid and Medicare reform.