LeadingAge Washington Urges Inslee to Restore COVID Funding to SNFs 

LeadingAge Washington Urges Inslee to Restore COVID Funding to SNFs 

LeadingAge Washington and Washington Health Care Association sent a letter to Governor Inslee, continuing to press him to fully restore COVID-19 funding to skilled nursing facilities. On July 1, the $29 COVID add-on was reduced to $13, followed by a second reduction to $5 for August and September.  Over the past two months, skilled nursing facilities have experienced an over 80% reduction in emergency funding during a historic pandemic.  The reduction comes during a recent spike in confirmed and suspected cases in both staff and residents in long term care.  

The letter goes on to detail the increases in COVID related costs that providers have long been reporting, estimating an additional $50 PPD being spent on staffing and supplies. This cost does not include the increases in liability insurance nor the loss in revenue resulting from LHJ imposes holds on admissions. The cost of some PPE items has increased as much as 285%. The COVID-19 add-on is critical to improve coverage of the costs providers are incurring to protect caregivers, nurses and residents. The state must invest in our skilled nursing facilities and all long term care as we continue to fight the virus and prepare for the upcoming flu season. 

You can find the full letter here. LeadingAge will continue to advocate until this funding is restored.  

 

Questions?

Contact:

Alyssa Odegaard- Vice President, Public Policy 

c: 206.948.2279