Are you ready for the coming cuts to Medicaid?
To the editor:
Are you prepared if your relative is discharged from a health care facility? The federal budget cut $880 billion to Medicaid over the next 10 years, significantly affecting the healthcare in Lee County, particularly impacting nursing homes.
Many residents are soon to lose their Medicaid coverage, putting the pressure on the family to deliver quality care. The impact will also be felt by our local hospitals due to the financial strain due to reduced funding impacting their ability to deliver quality care.
Nursing home regulations: When Medicaid benefits are set to expire a nursing home resident has a limited time to arrange private payment or alternative care. Importantly, nursing homes cannot simply evict residents simply due to expiration of benefits, emphasis needs to be proactive planning for residents and the family.
Some community consequences will lead to increased hospitalizations, emergency room visits and families navigating the healthcare system without adequate coverage, ultimately affecting the public health outcomes in Lee County.
Are you ready?
Kathleen Callard RNBS
North Fort Myers