CONTACT:
John Vander Meer, (608) 257-0125

(MADISON) – Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WHCA/WiCAL) Executive Director John Vander Meer provided the following statement regarding the passage of the 2017-19 state budget bill:

Wisconsin’s long-term care providers applaud Governor Walker and legislative leaders for advancing a budget which includes a 2% increase in each year of the biennium for SNF Medicaid reimbursement and a
$60 million (all funds) increase for Family Care over the biennium.

In the midst of a caregiver workforce crisis, care providers are encouraged and grateful to have our state elected officials recognize the need to invest in long-term care. With 80 percent of Wisconsin’s skilled nursing facilities’ reimbursement determined by state and federal revenue, these rate increases will mean facilities will be able to offer more competitive wages for CNAs and other LTC staff, helping facilities recruit and retain workers.

We thank Governor Walker and legislative leaders in the Assembly and Senate for their commitment to longterm care and the vulnerable residents we care for every day.

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