Hello Members!
This column is supposed to be professional, not personal. But we all bring all we are to work. Investing all of ourselves in meaningful work is how we are fulfilled and achieve.
Today is Valentines Day, a Saturday. I’m in the office because there’s much to do before this week’s Board meeting, Member Advocacy Day, Leadership Academy gathering, and legislative hearing affecting your interests. And, truth be told, in my mind ahead of all those professional things, I’m worried about having nothing special planned for my sweetie tonight! Yep, all of me is at work today.
But that’s also true for thousands of member caregivers across Missouri this Valentine’s Saturday. You are my heroes and role models. You’re doing critical work and delivering love at the same time. Maybe it’s holding a resident’s hand, reading her grandchild’s homemade Valentine aloud, fluffing the pillow a little extra, or simply making time to listen. Your personal connection makes a difference in a life. Thank you for modeling loving behavior. Maybe that will fill the bill for Bill this evening!
Hopefully, that professional and personal perspective resonates. But allow me to share more of the professional. On Advocacy Day many of you will be in Jefferson City advancing our field’s policy agenda. Our “lobbyists for a day” will first review policies we will advocate and how to do so effectively with legislators. Then, before we lobby, we’ll get acquainted with the new Director of the Department of Health & Senior Services. After lunch, we’ll storm the Capitol to advance these policy initiatives.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Boosting Medicaid payments for SNF and HCBS members is always a LA MO goal. This year though, for sound reasons, we’ll “take a rain check.” LA MO members will explain to legislators the importance of Medicaid to senior care and why SNFs and HCBS providers need and deserve regular payment increases. And we’ll share stories and anecdotes from experience that bolster our position. But recognizing that “discretion is the better part of valor,” this year we’ve strategically decided not to seek SNF rate rebasing or HCBS payment increases because of the extreme fiscal challenge confronting legislators and the State. Instead, we will thank legislators for generous rate increases in recent years and ask them to help keep us off the budget cutting block.
We are thankful Governor Kehoe has not recommended budget cuts directly impacting SNF and HCBS providers. Others are less fortunate. The Governor’s budget recommends “cost to continue” funding at current SNF and HCBS levels and allows for higher utilization. Moreover, the current Budget Bill allows for higher SNF value-based payments to reward quality care. Our members will benefit from this! In the current budget debate, where prominent, well-positioned, and vocal legislators are arguing for huge cuts to the Governor’s recommendations, we win by not being cut. We will lobby for this win and live to fight for higher Medicaid reimbursement another day.
APRN Practice Expansion
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are not permitted to practice independently in Missouri to the full extent of their education and experience like they are in the majority of states. This means Missouri sacrifices citizen access to primary and geriatric care APRNs are trained to deliver. More healthcare access through independent APRNs will make a difference to all Missourians in “healthcare deserts” and senior communities throughout the State. LA MO has long supported APRN practice right expansion and our advocacy has delivered incremental progress toward ending overly restrictive physician Collaborate Practice Agreements that keep APRNs from delivering healthcare cost savings and more healthcare to Missourians. LA MO and its members will lobby for multiple bills that provide pathways to full APRN practice in Missouri.
Property Tax Exemption for Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Senior Living & Healthcare Communities
Historically, LA MO non-profit, 501(c)(3) senior living and healthcare provider members were exempted from local property taxes like they are from federal and state income taxes. However, some aggressive local tax assessors in some jurisdictions began using flexible legal precedents to demand that our members pay property tax or make “payments in lieu of tax” (PILOTs). LA MO members have consistently shared that one of the most significant initiatives LA MO could undertake to advance their missions would be to win back a property tax exemption. Every tax dollar saved would be invested in resident care and services.
The General Assembly is considering property tax reform. Opportunity knocks! LA MO members will be exploring the potential for property tax relief with our elected representatives on Advocacy Day. Let me know what you think of this policy effort at billbates@leadingagemissouri.org, and next year please join us to advance the policies that make a difference to our communities and the residents we serve.
Yours in service,
