Nursing homes in Ohio are facing a bleak reality. The two-year budget that Governor Kasich just signed reduces Medicaid rates to nursing homes by nearly 6%.
While total Medicaid spending in Ohio will creep up a bit, the climb will benefit home and community care, which tends to be more cost-effective and popular with seniors.But what’ s interesting in Ohio’s approach is that the budget calls for incentives for nursing homes that meet quality benchmarks. These measures are expected to include things like staffing levels and patient satisfaction. The bottom line on all of this is that if you run a high quality, operationally efficient nursing home delivering great care, you will be rewarded.
The focus on staffing levels is critical for two reasons. First – if you truly gain control over your staff scheduling, ensuring the right people are where and when you need them, then your organization, and your residents, win. Secondly, providing proper staffing levels not only helps to ensure care, but it also controls labor costs. Keep a close eye on your nurse staffing levels, at all times, and you uncover opportunities to reduce overtime and over-staffing.
Long-term care providers in Ohio are wading through the details today, figuring out what this means to them and what the next steps are. With drastic cuts sweeping the industry across the nation, this is a wake-up call to providers to optimize their businesses and provide great care. Strategic staffing practices can help get you there, and deliver immediate benefits.
