Since the initial reduction of the COVID 19 emergency add on, LeadingAge Washington has been aggressively advocating for the state to restore the funding to the original $29 add on. COVID 19 costs have skyrocketed, costing nursing homes an average increase of $50 per person, per day for PPE, supplies and staffing alone. The current $5 per day add on that providers are receiving simply will not cut it. You can find the most recent letter to Governor Inslee detailing COVID costs and our plea to fully reinstate funding here. 

Our advocacy efforts have recently gained the attention of local media sources with multiple stories airing in the last week. Below are all the current stories: 

• Susannah Frame from King 5 news introduced the story on Friday night, and a follow up in-depth story is planned to air sometime next week. You can find last Friday’s story here. 
• Skagit Valley Herald has covered the story interviewing Terry Robertson from Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood. You can find that story here. 
• McKnight’s- State accused of withholding most COVID-19 matching funds for nursing homes
  
• Skilled Nursing News- State with First COVID-19 Outbreak Rolls Back Medicaid Boost for Nursing Homes: ‘Needless Deaths Will Rise’

We will continue to keep you informed on any other media. 

Questions?

Contact: 

Alyssa Odegaard- Vice President, Public Policy 

c: 206.948.2279