Nursing homes brace for workers’ comp rate increase
The state
Nursing homes - which face a disproportionate number of workers compensation claims - are concerned the rate increase will only put more weight on a system industry advocates say is underfunded and overworked.
In a statement,
Citing a 2016 study by the
"Skilled nursing facilities continue to be asked to do more with less," McDaid continued. "These facilities, which care for our most vulnerable populations, cannot invest in necessary capital improvements or advanced technology that would enhance care, nor can they pay competitive wages that would increase staff retention, which is so vital to high-quality care."
Employees of nursing homes and independent living centers face relatively highrates of onsite injury, mostly due to lifting and transporting of patients.
According to data gathered by the
According to industry trade group LeadingAge PA, the change will disproportionately effect nonprofit nursing homes and independent living centers already weighed down by a shortfall inreimbursements from the state's Medical Assistance program, the state's Medicaid program for low-income Pennsylvanians.
In responding in October to the bureau's proposal, LeadingAgePA argued the rate increase would put further pressure on "increasing costs and stagnant reimbursement levels" faced by its members.
Citing underfunding of nursing homes and independent living centers by the state's medical assistance program, LeadingAge said "the proposed worker's compensation increase will be difficult to withstand, especially for those facilities that have a higher proportion of residents that depend on [medical assistance]."
LeadingAge requested a year for nursing homes to prepare for the rate increase, which the bureau had initially set to take effect for
The increase applies to policies that are renewed or newly taken out after the effective date.View the full article from the
CREDIT:
Mynatt Insurance in New Tampa and Tampa Is the Best Place to Shop for Liability Insurance
NJ-based insurance carrier expands into Pa.
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News