In early June, representatives from the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) and several skilled nursing facility leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. Their mission was to advocate for the long-term sustainability of nursing home care by meeting with key members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation. Over three days, they discussed challenges faced by providers and policies that could impact their ability to deliver care.
A primary focus of these discussions was the Medicaid Provider Tax. This funding mechanism enables states to access federal matching dollars, which are crucial for many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). These funds help recruit and retain registered nurses necessary for caring for patients with increasingly complex needs. The Provider Tax is under scrutiny and could face cuts without strong advocacy efforts.
During the meetings, participants highlighted that hospital recovery costs Medicare approximately $2,500 per day compared to $500–$600 per day in SNF beds. They argued that redirecting appropriate patients to SNFs can reduce healthcare costs system-wide and improve patient outcomes, leading to higher satisfaction scores. However, this strategy depends on proper staffing in nursing homes, often supported by Provider Tax funds.
The advocates shared their experiences to influence policymakers effectively. "I’ve learned that when you speak from experience and can connect-the-dots, policymakers listen differently," one participant noted. They emphasized real-life examples demonstrating how funding shortfalls affect patients and local providers negatively.
Advocacy efforts were described as more than attending meetings or reciting statistics; they involve building trust-based relationships and tackling industry challenges collaboratively. "We didn’t travel to Washington D.C. just to recite statistics," another advocate stated.
AssuredPartners expressed support for such initiatives: "We understand that reimbursement structures, regulatory pressures, and workforce issues are interwoven." They reaffirmed their commitment by partnering with associations like IHCA in addressing these challenges.
For organizations facing similar funding or compliance issues, AssuredPartners offered assistance: "If your organization is navigating similar funding or compliance challenges, we’re here to help."