Dear Editor,

I am the administrator at Lifecare of West Seattle and have worked in long term care off and on since 1967. One thing I do know is that the care residents receive now is exceptional when compared to 40 years ago. However, the state is threatening to roll back that progress with harmful cuts proposed in the house and senate.

In my facility, 75 percent of the residents rely on Medicaid (state funding) to help pay their share of the cost. The cost per day to care for each one of these residents is $245.82, even though reimbursement is only $170.18.

Additionally, the facility is responsible for paying for special equipment, supplies and medications that are not covered by Medicaid. With the new budget, Medicaid will be reducing further their payment to $147.52, a $93.30 shortfall of what it costs to keep a resident in a nursing home each day.

Providers will be forced to scrutinize accepting residents because of payment source, leaving them for much longer periods and at a greater expense at the hospitals.

It is certain that all nursing homes will not weather the financial storm if this budget is approved. Some will close and it will be more difficult to find services our seniors desperately rely on.

Please join me in letting your legislator know that these cuts are too drastic.

Mitzi Stern
Executive Director, Lifecare of West Seattle