HARRISBURG, PA — The House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing on March 19 at the request of Representative Ryan Bizzarro to address the financial and workforce challenges plaguing Pennsylvania’s aging services sector. With one of the nation’s oldest populations, Pennsylvania faces a growing crisis in providing sustainable long-term care.
During the hearing, Rep. Bizzarro emphasized the need for urgent reform. “Pennsylvania must fix its aging services care in order to protect our older population,” he stated, highlighting legislation he is introducing to modernize the nursing home reimbursement system. The proposed bill aims to replace a decades-old formula with a predictable funding model to ensure adequate staffing and enable sustainable budgets for nursing homes, personal care homes, and assisted living facilities.
The financial strain on aging service providers has already resulted in the closure of over 30 skilled nursing facilities across the state since the pandemic began, including Luzerne County’s Bonham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center just this month. Pennsylvania’s reimbursement rates for aging services are the lowest when compared to neighboring states, further exacerbating the issue.
The committee heard testimony from key industry leaders, including Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, and Garry Pezzano, president and CEO of LeadingAge PA. Testifiers discussed the unique challenges Pennsylvania faces, noting the state’s aging population and the financial difficulties driving facility closures.
“This legislation would update an antiquated system,” Bizzarro stated, “that only five states in the nation continue to use,” signaling the urgent need for change as the commonwealth works to protect its seniors and safeguard the future of its long-term care workforce.
The proposed reforms aim to bolster aging services by creating financial stability for providers while addressing the critical shortage of healthcare workers in the sector.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.