Too often in politics in Pennsylvania and the United States, we choose to forgo fixing a bridge until it inevitably collapses. But we almost always admit there’s a problem with the bridge.
In the article “Pandemic ‘exposed what a problem we have on our hands’ in U.S. nursing homes” (April 23, TribLIVE), the “bridge” in question was our long-term care continuum, including nursing homes. President Biden’s press secretary, Jen Psaki, declared there was a “problem” with our country’s nursing homes — then moved on to the next issue.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association has been clear: It’s time to stop finger-pointing and start collaborating to improve care for our most vulnerable residents.
If Psaki or Biden are so informed about a “problem” with nursing homes, they’d know that, for nearly a decade, Medicaid reimbursement in Pennsylvania hasn’t kept pace with rising health care costs — not even close.
Before we point a finger at providers and workers, let’s point to the underlying issue. And let’s bring those same providers and workers to the table to address it.
Zach Shamberg
Harrisburg