Three of the largest provider associations in Ohio are suing the Ohio Department of Medicaid, alleging the department incorrectly calculated care quality incentives passed by the state Legislature potentially costing providers hundreds of millions of dollars.
When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, the Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber retirement community in Columbus saw staff leave, expenses rise and the burden of caring for residents increase. Finding the personal protective equipment was challenging. Just dealing with the various changes in regulations and requirements that were coming out, normally on a daily basis. was packed, said Bob Stillman, chief financial officer at Ohio Living. We were offering appreciation pay for hours work. Our overtime hours skyrocketed.
Like other skilled nursing facilities, those under Ohio Living were financially ravaged by COVID-19. Almost 45% of Ohio Living residents pay with Medicaid, one of the largest payers in the long-term care market. But Medicaid s government-set rates often don t cover the full costs.