Wisconsin nursing homes are receiving one of the lowest reimbursement rates in the nation. That's according to a report from the American Health Care Association, which ranks Wisconsin third worst in the nation for nursing home reimbursements.
Wisconsin Health Care Association government relations director Jim McGinn says the average nursing home in the state is being shorted nearly $583,000 a year in Medicaid reimbursements. McGinn says the rate just isn't keeping up with inflation.
Funding shortfalls mean many nursing homes are having a hard time attracting health care workers, since labor salary cuts are often where administrators look to make up the shortfall from the state.
McGinn the state jumped from 6th worst two years ago, falling just behind Illinois and New Jersey. The report was based on data released by 39 states.
The Association wants lawmakers to consider increasing the reimbursement rate.