Too many communities are without long-term care options, advocates want more Medicaid dollars with new bills
Financial issues are plaguing Nebraskans’ ability to access long-term care. Bills in the Nebraska Legislature would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living and nursing homes.
There are 15 counties in Nebraska without a single nursing home or assisted living facility in them, according to the Nebraska Health Care Association.
Legislative Bills 941 and 942 would improve Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Jeanne Gentry lives near Hyannis, Nebraska. After foot surgery, Gentry needed long-term care.
“I was left searching for a care facility near my home. I found Brookstone View in Broken Bow, which is two and a half hours away from my home,” Gentry said.
She stayed in Broken Bow — far away from her family — for eight weeks. She missed a friend’s funeral and getting her daughter ready to go off to college.
Read the full article from Nebraska Public Radio here.
