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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |
State Rep. Jim Wansacz |
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Wansacz introduces bill to eliminate reimbursement disparity
for Pennsylvania’s nursing homes
HARRISBURG, April 18 – State Rep. Jim Wansacz has introduced legislation to balance reimbursement rates for nursing homes across Pennsylvania.
Wansacz, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Susquehanna/Wyoming, said current regulation provides reimbursements based on a facility’s peer group designation, which is determined by its geographic location and bed complement.
The designation provides larger reimbursement amounts for facilities in urban areas. However, no provision is made for facilities that are not located in an urban area but are in close proximity to one and typically have similar costs.
“This legislation aims to level the reimbursement playing field for our state’s nursing homes,” Wansacz said. “Nursing homes with similar bed complements that endure the same operational costs deserve to receive similar reimbursements, even if one is technically in a location not designated as an urban area but competes with an urban area for employees.”
Wansacz said the bill (H.B. 1124) would not create standard reimbursement rates across the state, but only for those facilities in close proximity to an urban area.
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