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I read the June 22 Albuquerque Journal article, “Genesis Buys Sun Healthcare,” where Win Quigley referred to an analysis of the long-term care industry citing pressure from Medicare cuts and state budget Medicaid cuts.
Because I work on behalf of long-term care providers, I am familiar with the underfunding pressures in facilities and long-term care companies including inadequate operating margins, cash flow challenges and budgets that are constantly being tightened. I recognize many organizations face these challenges during tough economic times.
My concern is when we are referring to care for our disabled and frail elderly citizens, it is increasingly important that we acknowledge an absolute need for reliable, sustainable funding to deliver high-quality, long-term care service.
To be fair about New Mexico nursing facilities’ financial health, I must point out that Gov. Susana Martinez and Human Services Department Secretary Sidonie Squire recognized the impact of Medicare reductions and Medicaid underfunding over the past decade. Our governor included an appropriation in her fiscal 2013 budget proposal of $8.1 million.
It is planned that state funding along with federal matching dollars will offer facilities and much-needed resources to maintain long-term care facility services.
State legislators quickly rallied around the need to preserve services for our frail and disabled, and we thank everyone who worked so hard to see the additional funding start July 1.
I am certain that Sun Health Group facility employees will carry on their mission of care and service as they transition to the new organization.
In the meantime, I would like to thank Sun Health Group for its corporate support and presence in the New Mexico provider community. I’ve learned that, like Sun Health Group, Genesis is highly regarded for its commitment to high-quality care.
This is encouraging to me; I hope after the transition, we will continue to see sustainable funding for a stable and secure long-term care facility network to care for many who need our care the most.
