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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you for sending an email to my office sharing your concern about Medicaid funding for Washington's nursing homes. I'm happy to report that the final version of the 2021-22 state operating budget included additional funding for nursing homes to help cover any payment gaps.
In late April, at the close of 2021 legislative session, lawmakers approved funding to establish a new base level for Medicaid nursing home rates in 2022, along with an additional allocation to increase the fixed rate paid for direct care from 100% to 105%. Direct care was also increased from 118% to 130% of the allowable costs.
It's also worth mentioning that nursing homes received COVID-related rate enhancements throughout 2020. And, the current budget assumes the continuation of those enhancements until the end of 2021. For 2022 and 2024, more than $54 million in state and federal funds was allocated to nursing homes to address any additional gaps in the new base levels established every two years for Medicaid nursing home rates.
If you have any further questions on this topic, feel free to email me. My contact information is listed below.
It's an honor to serve you!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Eslick
