Ohio is projected to suffer from a shortage of caregivers at skilled nursing facilities as a consequence of new Medicare regulations, according to a press release.
Combined with 5.8 percent slashes in Ohio to Medicaid funding, the Buckeye State has established itself as the nation's "Ground Zero" for job losses. The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, an advocacy group consisting of 12 leading post-acute and long-term care organizations at roughly 1,400 SNF facilities in 44 U.S. states including Ohio, had a poll administered by Avalere Health.
"Unfortunately, Ohio has become 'Ground Zero' on a national basis in terms of reported SNF job losses resulting from the federal Medicare regulation and state Medicaid cuts," said Alliance president Alan G. Rosenbloom. "The combined funding reductions are taking too much out of the SNF funding system too fast, and we fear the job loss numbers in Ohio are going to get worse to the detriment of Ohio seniors and Ohio workers."
Leaders who help the elderly have encouraged Ohio's congressional delegation to address the issue before the delegation adjourns for the holidays by phasing in Medicare regulations during a 36-month period.
Earlier this month, the Ohio Health Care Association indicated more than 2,800 jobs were lost from 333 Ohio nursing homes as a consequence of reductions to Medicaid and Medicare.