In December 2022, Pennsylvania state Senators Michelle Brooks and Judy Ward proposed legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities. The proposal is designed to provide support for older adults who require assistance with daily living but do not require the high level of care provided by nursing homes.
Under the proposed legislation, eligible seniors would be able to access Medicaid coverage for assisted living services, including room and board, personal care, and medication management. This would be a game-changer for many seniors who are currently struggling to pay for these services out-of-pocket or relying on family members to provide care.
Assisted living facilities are an increasingly popular option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and medication management. These communities also provide greater independence and privacy than nursing homes. However, many seniors struggle to afford the high cost of assisted living, which can range between $5,000 and $10,000 per month in Pennsylvania, leaving nursing home care, in which Medicaid is available, as their last option.
Our team of elder care law advocates frequently meets with families whose loved one has limited resources and requires care outside the home. While many of these individuals would prefer to stay in their own homes or in community settings, the only remaining option is a nursing home due to these financial constraints. By providing Medicaid coverage for assisted living, Pennsylvania would be helping seniors maintain their independence and autonomy for longer.
Of course, there are some concerns about the cost of expanding Medicaid coverage for assisted living, including the “word work” concern, in that more seniors would seek to access Medicaid benefits through such an expansion. However, supporters of the legislation argue that the long-term benefits of keeping seniors out of more expensive institutional care settings would ultimately save the state money in the long run.
Overall, the proposed legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities in Pennsylvania is an important step towards ensuring that seniors have access to the care and support appropriate for their age and care needs, allowing for more independent and more dignified aging.
If you or a loved one struggle to navigate the legal, financial, and social aspects of aging, and long-term care, the elder care law attorneys and care coordinators at Rothkoff Law Group are uniquely experienced to navigate this puzzle for you.
You can read the proposed legislation by clicking here.