As I write this letter, our country is engulfed in a health care reform debate that has the propensity to dramatically alter the way our current health care system functions. In representing nursing and rehabilitation facilities in 158 of 159 counties throughout the state, I see first-hand the important role long term care plays in the lives of patients, caregivers and family members in our communities. Long term care providers deliver quality care to some of our state’s most frail, elderly and disabled. Although I support meaningful healthcare reform -- reform to improve overall patient care, raise the bar on greater efficiencies and stem rising health care costs – these reforms should not come at the expense of our nation’s nursing home residents and those who provide their care.

If the deep Medicare cuts proposed by Congress are included in the final healthcare reform legislation, skilled nursing facilities across our great state may be forced to cut jobs, which has a direct, immediate, negative impact on patients and their care. Patient care and quality of life are directly related to sufficient staffing levels and a trained, quality workforce. Today, Georgia’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities employ nearly 39,000 people across the state – jobs that are greatly needed and valued at this time in our nation’s economy.

At a typical facility, approximately 75 percent of the patients and residents cared for rely on Medicare and Medicaid to pay for their care and services. In fact, cuts to Medicare are magnified by Medicaid’s chronic underfunding of skilled nursing care – a growing problem in the current fiscal environment as many states are squeezing or, even, freezing Medicaid rates. This is why even the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) have warned of the harmful impact Medicaid funding cuts are having on vulnerable populations.

Whether you work in a skilled nursing facility, a sub acute center, a SOURCE case management agency or another long term care setting, our organization intends to serve you and thousands like you who share the public’s trust in caring for our most vulnerable citizens. We at GHCA understand the challenges our members face in providing the best possible care to those that suffer from cognitive and physical ailments.

GHCA is a member-driven organization and the staff will continue to work hard to bring the resources needed to make our members’ business more efficient and sustainable. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest minds in all of health care. I am energized about the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for this Association in the future.

Sincerely,

Jon S. Howell, President, GHCA