Access to care for seniors is a public health issue

Pennsylvania’s older population is growing rapidly, and this demographic shift will significantly impact the entire healthcare and aging services ecosystem. To address this growing need, the commonwealth must take necessary steps to ensure that older adults receive quality care when and where they need and wish to receive it.

Aging services providers have expressed their concerns for years, and the challenges they face are becoming more pronounced. Funding remains an obstacle despite increases in recent years for nursing homes and the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program, which provides comprehensive medical and supportive services. One culprit is the outdated and unreliable Medicaid reimbursement rate-setting processes, which have made it difficult for providers to keep up with rising costs while navigating a limited workforce. The standards and policies in place need to be reviewed and adjusted; without this, providers will continue to face challenges, and our older population will bear the brunt.

Another significant issue is the well-intentioned, but misguided, prescriptive staffing ratios in nursing homes. While the goal is to ensure that providers are adequately staffed, this mandate does not consider the ongoing workforce shortage. To be clear, mission-driven providers want to hire more staff; however, the required workers do not exist. In fact, a recent survey conducted in part by LeadingAge PA, showed that over half of nursing homes reported having double-digit job openings that they have been unable to fill. As a result, many providers have had to limit admissions, close beds, and even shut down entirely, reducing access to care for older adults throughout the commonwealth.

Access to care is a public health issue. When any part of the healthcare ecosystem struggles, it has a ripple effect. The system requires supportive policies, sufficient funding, and predictability to ensure that all its elements can successfully work together.

LeadingAge PA, a trade association representing over 400 high-quality providers of aging services across the commonwealth, is ready to partner with state leaders to help develop solutions that will support those who care for our elders and allow them to continue providing quality care and services.