Meet With Your Legislators Soon

VHCA (10/31/2008)

Next week the national election will be over and it will be a perfect time to talk with your state legislators.

Because of the Commonwealth’s dismal revenue outlook, Governor Kaine and legislators will be searching for areas to cut spending to balance the State Budget.  VHCA asked you last week to communicate with your state delegate and state senator to express the concerns you have for your residents, staff, and facility because of recently enacted cuts and the potential for additional budget cuts.

In the 2008 General Assembly Session, Virginia nursing facilities were cut more than the Governor and legislators intended due to a lower than expected Medicaid inflation factor released after the General Assembly adjourned.  This factor was determined by Global Insight, the company that the Department of Medical Assistance Services uses to analyze data to develop the inflation update factor each year. 

VHCA has been speaking with the Governor’s Administration and legislators about this unexpected reduction which amounts to an additional $6.5 million over the $11.7 million reduction approved by the General Assembly to balance the State Budget last Session.  Recent cost data that VHCA has received from member facilities show that the factor was significantly under what true operating cost increases have been so far in 2008 and even in 2007.

Legislators listen most closely to people and facilities from their home districts.  It is imperative that you add your voice to VHCA’s and let your legislators know and understand what the impact of further reductions would mean to your residents, staff, and facility.  Click here for talking points developed to assist you in these critical discussions.

If at all possible, schedule a face to face meeting with your legislators between now and the General Assembly Session in January.  If you would like members of VHCA’s staff to attend your meeting and help facilitate a discussion with your legislators, please email Mary Lynne Bailey.  Face-to-face meetings are the most effective, but if you cannot schedule a meeting, please call or write to your legislators.