Statement of Governor Doyle Regarding Agreement on Nursing Home Reimbursement

Statement of Governor Doyle Regarding Agreement on Nursing Home Reimbursement

"I have reached an agreement with Republicans in the Legislature to provide an increase in the reimbursement rates for nursing homes, as I proposed in my budget last year. Under this agreement, nursing homes will receive a 2.8 percent rate increase over the next two years from the Medicaid program so that they can continue to provide quality services to Wisconsin seniors. This increase is possible because my administration has worked hard to cut costs and save money within the Medicaid program, and because our revenues are increasing as the economy grows. This is a victory for Wisconsin seniors, a sign that our fiscal responsibility is paying off, and an example of how Democrats and Republicans really can work together to make important progress for the people of Wisconsin.

"I look forward to working with members of both parties on other important issues, like providing emergency energy assistance to thousands of hardworking Wisconsin families who desperately need it."

Note: The 2.8 percent increase over the next two years represents $11.4 million in state funding, and will bring the state an additional $15.4 million in federal funding. The agreement was reached today in a meeting the Governor held with Representative Dean Kaufert and Senator Scott Fitzgerald -- co-chairs of the Legislature's budget writing Joint Finance Committee.

http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=1735