Saratoga Standard

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) expressed his concerns regarding the Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes in Senate bill S8307-C, which is part of the state health and mental hygiene budget.

Stec stated, “A state budget is a reflection of our priorities, and Governor Hochul and Legislative Democrat leaders have made it clear that the well-being of our seniors and supporting not-for-profit nursing homes are not priorities, and certainly less of a priority than funneling tax dollars toward illegal immigrants."

He pointed out that there have been 11 nursing home closures statewide since 2020. As of September 2023, 14,518 beds were taken out of use because these homes couldn't afford to pay for staff coverage. He warned that this trend of closures and dwindling access to services is unsustainable.

"There is an $810 million annual gap between Medicaid rates and costs. The one-time lump sum $285 million in Medicaid reimbursements in this year’s budget is woefully inadequate and fails to come close to addressing the health care needs of our seniors or the long-term financial distress non-profit nursing homes face," Stec added.

The senator criticized the governor and Democrat leaders for allocating $2.4 billion to New York City to cover an illegal immigrant crisis instead of addressing what he sees as an urgent health care need. He concluded by saying, "Our seniors deserve compassionate, quality care and our nursing homes and their staff deserve the resources and support necessary to make that possible. It’s absolutely shameful that Governor Hochul and the majorities are choosing to fail at this essential task.”

For more information on Senator Stec’s remarks on the Senate floor concerning this portion of the budget, visit: https://youtu.be/4KW-Bba3cQs