MECHANICSBURG, PA — Amidst the unveiling of Governor Josh Shapiro’s FY 2025-26 budget proposal, LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano has issued a stark call to action regarding the state’s approach to aging services. While acknowledging recent progress under the Shapiro administration, Pezzano stressed that Pennsylvania’s system for long-term care is at a breaking point, calling for urgent and sustainable funding solutions to protect the Commonwealth’s vulnerable elderly population.
“Sadly, the underlying system is broken, with providers facing uncertain funding year after year,” Pezzano stated. With costs of care surging and a worsening workforce shortage, he warned that access to care remains under serious threat unless lawmakers take decisive steps to address these structural challenges.
A Budget with Promise, but Key Omissions
Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget continues to emphasize fiscal responsibility while investing in workforce development, public safety, and educational initiatives. However, Pezzano pointed out that the budget does not include the additional critical funding needed for nursing homes and LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) programs, which provide essential care allowing older adults to age in place.
“Although Governor Shapiro did not include critical funding increases in his budget address today, we remain committed to continuing this important work with the General Assembly to better position Pennsylvania to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s growing older adult population,” said Pezzano.
The stakes could not be higher, as Pennsylvania faces one of the fastest-growing elderly populations in the nation. Providers like LIFE programs enable seniors to maintain their independence while staying connected to their communities. Yet, inadequate and unpredictable funding jeopardizes these innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Skyrocketing Costs and Closing Facilities
Nursing homes across Pennsylvania have faced relentless financial pressure, worsened by inflation and growing operational challenges. Last month alone, yet another nursing home was forced to shut its doors, adding to a troubling trend that has left elderly residents scrambling for care and their families burdened with uncertainty.
Pezzano’s concern is clear. “Without taking these important steps, mission-driven nursing homes that care for the most vulnerable of our elders will continue to struggle to remain open,” he warned. The consequences for residents needing care and families seeking stability could be immense.
Call for Specific Investment Commitments
Pezzano laid out specific funding demands, calling for at least $139 million in additional support for nursing homes and a minimum 10% increase in funding for LIFE providers. These measures, he argues, would provide critical predictability to organizations delivering lifesaving services while preventing the shuttering of facilities amidst Pennsylvania’s rapidly aging demographic landscape.
“We appreciate Governor Shapiro’s recognition of the workforce challenges and growing needs of the older adult population,” Pezzano added. “Now, we call on the administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to help bring predictability and sustainability to a broken system.”
Beyond immediate funding needs, Pezzano pointed out the opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a leader in elder care innovation. “Pennsylvania has the opportunity to create a national model for how we care and support older adults,” he argued, urging a bold and collaborative approach from lawmakers.
Broader Implications for Pennsylvania
This urgent call to address long-term care funding resonates far beyond the senior healthcare industry. The broader workforce shortage, the economic challenges of keeping facilities open, and the spiraling costs of care all threaten to destabilize one of the state’s most critical sectors. For families across the state, these uncertainties translate directly into fears about whether their loved ones can access the care they deserve.
Opponents of increased spending may argue that further funding for nursing homes and LIFE programs must be balanced against other competing budgetary priorities. Nonetheless, stakeholders like Pezzano see this as a moral and practical imperative for Pennsylvania’s future.
Looking Ahead
Governor Shapiro’s budget, which builds on years of incremental progress, provides a framework to address systemic disparities. Lawmakers from both parties now face the challenge of ensuring this framework includes sustainable solutions for Pennsylvania’s aging population. Without decisive action, the state risks jeopardizing care for its most vulnerable citizens.
Pezzano emphasized that addressing this challenge requires a full commitment and collaboration on sustainable solutions.
Looking forward, the next few months will be critical as the Shapiro administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly work to finalize the FY 2025-26 budget. For LeadingAge PA and advocates across the state, it is a moment of both urgency and potential. Addressing these challenges now could not only stabilize care for today’s elderly citizens but also pave the way for Pennsylvania to become a benchmark for aging services in the years ahead.
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