AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, introduced LD 182, which will require the Department of Health and Human Services to pay a MaineCare reimbursement rate for services provided by the Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) that more accurately reflects the cost of care provided to residents.
The bill would provide MaineCare reimbursements to the six Maine Veterans’ Homes throughout the state by creating a daily rate that would more accurately reflect the cost of providing care to each eligible resident. The new rate structure would require periodic review and would receive an annual adjustment to keep up with inflation.
“It's time for the Legislature to put our money where our mouth is and provide sustainable ongoing funding for Maine Veterans’ Homes – no more empty talk about gratitude for our vets,” said Supica. “When someone signs up to serve in the military, they are willing to put their life on the line for our country. The veterans and their spouses who live in these facilities have more than earned the quality care provided. Without sustainable funding, Maine Veterans’ Homes could begin closing in as little as two years. We need to take action, and this bill is the first step.”
The Maine Veterans’ Homes system was created by the Legislature to ensure that Maine veterans have access to quality long-term care. The system, unlike other nursing facilities, faces additional challenges to meet federal standards, including those from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which are not reflected in the current funding formula. In recent years the Legislature has relied on a series of additional one-time payments to the system to ensure their continued operation. LD 182 will provide stable ongoing funding so the facilities are able to serve the needs of Maine veterans and their families into the future.
The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session for this bill in the coming weeks.
Rep. Supica is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives, and represents part of the City of Bangor. She serves as the House chair of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Supica) | 305-965-2744