This week, the issue of mandamus back payments was again in the news, this time in an article in statehouse news source, Gongwer News. In the article, Senate Finance Chair Cirino noted, “Right now I'd settle for a number of what the actual settlement needs to be, and we don't have that,” but in earlier comments shared that he believes that the executive branch has the funding to make the payments in its health and human services fund.
LeadingAge Ohio President / CEO shared that despite hearing from the Department of Medicaid in late January that they would be in communication soon to discuss how these payments would be made, the nursing home associations are still awaiting outreach. Said Wallace, “Unfortunately, judging from the testimony during the joint Medicaid committee meeting, it doesn't sound like there's additional clarity from the Department of Medicaid."
LeadingAge Ohio has encouraged its member nursing homes to be in contact with their legislators, apprising them of the impact of the back payments to their individual communities, and provided resources to help members inform policymakers as well as boards on the issue. Questions related to the mandamus action may be directed to Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org.
Source: Gongwer News Service.