Retirement News : Seniors : Nursing home lobby winning another battle

Nursing home lobby winning another battle

Date Added: 07-06-2005

The Nursing Home lobby has re-established its power over the Louisiana Legislature. It appeared for a time that Gov. Kathleen Blanco's plan to cut millions from state funds to nursing homes would survive this session. As soon as unexpected revenue surfaced, however, lawmakers rushed to restore millions in funding for the homes. The House Appropriations Committee added $57.5 million in state and federal dollars for nursing homes.

The cuts were not prompted solely by the budget crisis that loomed prior to a surge in revenue from strong oil and gas activity. There was also the long-term drive to offer government-subsidized seniors the option of less costly, long-term care at home or in their communities. Beyond this benefit to seniors, there is an economic issue. Two separate studies in recent months said the state was overpaying nursing homes by, in effect, paying them for empty beds.

Blanco's intent as the state budget was constructed was to overhaul the way the state provides long-term care to the elderly and disabled. It included changes to the way nursing homes are reimbursed, essentially cutting their payments.

She knew going in that she was butting heads with one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the state. Some say she has capitulated. If she has given up the battle, it is simply in recognition of the political realities. The Louisiana governorship is said to be the strongest in the nation. It is weak, however, in comparison to powerful special interests with very deep pockets.

If restoration of the nursing home cuts is not sufficient evidence of the power of the nursing home lobby, try this: the state House of Representatives recently shot down House Bill 388 that would have given nursing home residents who suffer mental or physical abuse the right to sue for damages. Under existing law, they can only sue to get the homes to stop the abuses. They can't sue for money. The bill killed in the House would have provided stronger recourse for violations of several entitlements listed in the Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights.

The bill was authored by one of our own, state Rep. Clara Baudoin, D-Carencro. We applaud her effort and regret the fact that her bill received only 28 votes, while the nursing home lobby was able to muster 62.

The question Baudoin asked her colleagues should haunt all 62 of those who voted against her bill for a long time. "Why," she asked, "do we not want to allow these citizens the same protections as people outside of these facilities?"

Why indeed?

Why was the governor's plan for revamping nursing home payment and giving senior citizens more options at less taxpayer cost shot down?

The answer to both questions is simple. The Louisiana Legislature has more than its share of members who are apathetic to the wishes of the people, but quick to respond to those of the well-heeled special interests.

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