OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Spring Summer 2021

www.ohca.com SPRING/SUMMER 2021 The Oregon Caregiver 13 PUBLIC POLICY T he COVID-19 pandemic has made an indelible mark on long term care and has raised its profile among policymakers, the media, and the public at large. Operating under a spotlight creates opportunities to showcase the sector’s strengths and make the case for investment, but it is also an environment conducive to challenges and leaves us vulnerable to criticism. This is particularly true in the public policy arena. OHCA’s government relations team is focused on finding solutions to help members navigate the ongoing crisis including taking advantage of new resources to make critical investments in long term care’s caregivers and residents. We also continue to provide value to state and federal lawmakers by helping craft and inform policy with data and expertise, as well as pushing back against burdensome regulations not paired with adequate funding. Drafting the Headwinds The pandemic revealed two critical problems for long term care: 1. Medicaid long term care services and supports are underfunded. 2. Long term care faces a workforce shortage. These problems require significant investments and must be addressed in a comprehensive manner without delay. To address the first issue, we are advocat- ing for an annual five percent cost-of- living-adjustment to the Medicaid reimbursement rate for home and community-based care providers and a full rebasing of rates for skilled nursing facilities. We are also urging lawmakers to extend the temporary rate increases, which were approved to help providers combat rising costs related to COVID-19. These adjustments are critical to address the significant financial stresses the pandemic placed on long term care providers including costs related to labor, purchasing of personal protective equipment and sanitation supplies, and decreased census. One silver lining is the economy rebounded from the pandemic-induced shutdowns faster than anyone expected, and funding is available for critical needs and services both at the state and federal levels. Oregon’s tax revenues are up, but so are costs—especially in the human services sectors including long term care. There is an unprecedented infusion of federal aid under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act, which will deliver $2.6 billion to Oregon earmarked for pandemic relief. On top of that, a massive new investment in home and community-based services is also under consideration in the federal infrastruc- ture package. Finally, to tackle workforce issues, we are asking for historic new investments that will not only help providers better meet the cost of care, but also support true progress in professionalizing and uplifting direct caregivers and funneling more qualified staff into long term care, including registered nurses. On the policy front, OHCA has three priorities this session, all of which are enjoying widespread support. Among them, a proactive bill to strengthen COVID-19 response and emergency preparedness in the future. This bill will help the sector be better prepared and resourced in the next emergency. Pushing Back Against the Tailwinds Making the most of difficult circum- stances is imperative, but the long term care industry faces an uphill climb at the state and federal levels over the next few years. Challenges that can occur in our industry are amplified by national news coverage, especially in states that have weaker regulatory structures than Oregon. We will continue to share member stories of quality care and encourage members to do the same when appropriate. We can assure that our policy efforts will always strive to enhance quality care whenever possible. Where We Go From Here The future of public policy for long term care at all levels of government will depend on how we respond today to the most pressing challenges facing the sector. The OHCA government relations team will continue to showcase and share member stories with policymakers as well as share the benefits of long term care to the public at large, advocate for better reimbursement rates, and push back against regulation that compro- mises quality care. Together, we will navigate the headwinds and tailwinds of the pandemic to a brighter tomorrow. Libby Batlan is the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at OHCA. Navigating Political Headwinds and Tailwinds By Libby Batlan, Oregon Health Care Association