CARLTON, Minnesota (Northern News Now) – Part of Governor Waltz's proposal budget will result in significant cuts in funding for nursing home facilities, including Carlton's interfaith care centers.
The facility will incur a loss of $2.3 million over the next four years.
Minnesota nursing facilities will reimburse care costs, including the supply and pay of nursing staff who care for seniors.
“It's not like the governor cuts senior funds for those people, that's not fair,” said Tara Adkins, the administrator of the interface.
Adkins said the 2% increase in the rate for governor Waltz on these costs would not be able to provide competitive wages for future employment as the facility is already fighting a staff shortage.
Adkins said there is a high chance that people will have to go as a result.
“I think it's about six full-time nursing assistants that we have to cut because it only costs over $200,000 in our first year,” Adkins said. “It's really the backbone of our facility.”
Republican Sen. Jason Larick believes that a cap is not necessary if state surveillance of care facilities is more stringent.
“Audits will be lined up everywhere in places where they say, 'Hey, this wasn't an acceptable cost' just to make sure the receipts you're submitting are legitimate,” Lalique said.
Minnesota lawmakers on either side of the aisle agree that the caps are too strict.
In a statement, Sen. John Hoffman, the board of directors of the Senate Human Services Committee, said:
“We disagree with the governor's proposed cap or dramatic cuts to the home's dramatic disability services that help senators stay at home. So the Senate approach is data-driven and, alongside the expected inflation rate, will link funds to quality of care. Minnesotan is preparing for potential federal funding challenges.”
Adkins doesn't know if the Pagans can withstand the losses and fears they have to close.
“If we don't have this place in our area, people are traveling to Duluth,” Adkins said. “We have an elderly person driving 30 minutes, 40 minutes away to see their spouse, but it's not really possible.”
In a statement, a spokesman for the governor's office said:
“Minnesota is ranked as the top state for consistent retirement as the governor has taken steps to make the lives of seniors more affordable. The governor is committed to making care for seniors affordable to age and protecting Minnesotan from unsustainable rising interest rates.
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