The End of the PHE and its Effect on Nursing Facilities
Nick Cianci
President, Compass Total Benefit Solutions - I help companies and employees get the most out of their employee benefit dollars
President Joe Biden recently announced the public health emergency (PHE) is set to end on May 11, 2023, after its current extension expires. There are mixed feelings from industry leaders regarding the expected fallout from the end of the PHE. But, one thing is certain, it is the end of an era for long term care facilities.
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Some aspects of the PHE have already been sunset by lawmakers and federal agencies. For example, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ended the temporary nurse aide (TNA) waiver program – though waivers are still available for a limited period.
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Others, however, are tied to the PHE and set to expire in May. The Three-Day Stay Requirement could be one of the most impactful pandemic-related relinquishments. Suspension of this requirement has allowed Medicare patients to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility without completing the typically mandated three-day hospital stay. This saved patients out-of-pocket costs while freeing up hospital beds.
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Paradoxically, according to the American Health Care Association and National Centers for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), more than half of nursing homes are forced to limit new patients due to staffing shortages. This has been eye-opening for hospitals, as nursing facilities cannot take on as many post-acute patients, leaving the hospitals in some areas clogged with patients.
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Further, Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the AHCA/NCAL, says?we’re still a ways off from recovery. “Nursing homes have done everything they can on a fixed government budget—they cannot solve this crisis on their own. We need policymakers to invest in long term care, so we can compete for health care workers, transform America’s nursing homes, and prepare for a growing elderly population.”?According to Holly Harmon, RN, AHCA’s senior vice president of quality, regulatory and clinical services, “This survey?[by the AHCA] shows that nursing homes are making every effort to address this ongoing labor crisis, but continue to struggle with finding caregivers.”
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And, to make matters worse, many existing?nursing home workers threaten to strike?over wages, benefits, and historically low staffing levels. Over 1,000 workers in Michigan say they are “ready to do whatever it takes for a new contract.” Retaining frontline workers has been just as difficult as attracting new ones for many facilities.
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Ultimately, when May 11th arrives, the end of the PHE will close some doors for skilled nursing and assisted living providers, but many of today’s problems remain. The end of the PHE likely means less opportunity for grants and additional COVID related funding. With the need to drive down expenses, serve your current employees, and attract new ones, the new Compass MVP benefit options may be something to consider. Contact us at Compass TBS to review your employee benefits offerings. Our?New Compass Major Medical Plan?will serve your employees and remain cost-effective for your organization.