USA | The National Centre for Assisted Living has celebrated 60 years of Medicare and Medicaid, which has greatly benefited aged care providers.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 15,000 nursing homes and other long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, has commemorated the 60th anniversary of President Johnson signing the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which created Medicare and Medicaid, into law.
“The 60-year anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is a true testament to the importance of these programs for millions of Americans and our nation's healthcare system. Their creation revolutionised how seniors and individuals with disabilities access critical, long-term term and post-acute care. With each passing year, we continue to look for opportunities to uphold this promise to take care of those who took care of us,” said Clif Porter, President and CEO at ACHC/NCAL.
“To preserve these programs for generations to come, policymakers, providers, and stakeholders must be forward-thinking and collaborative in our approach. Nothing could be more critical as our nation continues to age and demand for long-term care will increase dramatically.”
Porter said there needed to be bold, innovative ideas that prioritise residents and caregivers and help the industry best prepare for the future.
“AHCA's The Better Way lays out key policy priorities and meaningful solutions that will address the growing needs of nursing home residents. From investing in caregivers to enhancing Medicare Advantage, we look forward to working with policymakers to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and protect access to high-quality care."
In nursing homes, approximately 13 percent of patients rely on Medicare to cover their short-term care, and nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of residents rely on Medicaid.
“As a profession, we will continue to work with our nation's leaders to demonstrate the value and role of nursing homes in the nation's healthcare system, and providers will continue to answer the call to serve and care for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities."
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