FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2016
Contact: Kate Kahn
Phone: 617.513.8849
Email: [email protected]
MSCA APPLAUDS STATE’S MOVE TO IMPLEMENT MEDICAID RULE BOOSTING
WAGES FOR NURSING HOME WORKERS
BOSTON---The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) today applauded state actions
that will bring wage increases to frontline nursing home staff such as certified nursing assistants,
laundry, housekeeping, dietary and activities staff. The pay raises are due to a $35.5 million
direct care add on passed by the Legislature after being included in Governor Charlie Baker’s
fiscal year 2017 budget.
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has begun implementing the rule which
means nursing homes will receive larger amounts of Medicaid funds earmarked for staff raises.
The amount of funds each facility will receive is based on the number of Medicaid residents in
the facility. More than two-thirds of residents in nursing homes rely on Medicaid.
“This impacts approximately 45,000 workers who dedicate their lives to taking care of one of our
most vulnerable populations,” said Bill Bogdanovich, Chairman of the MSCA Board. “This is an
important step to creating a path for them to earn a living wage and the ability to support their
families. We’re grateful to the Governor and legislators for understanding the critical need to
invest in these wonderful workers.”
Since November 2015, Mass Senior Care, along with other consumer and workforce
organizations, have been actively advocating for the Nursing Home Quality Jobs Initiative. The
$35.5 million funding increase is a major step towards achieving it. Along with the wage
increases, the Initiative calls for greater career advancement opportunities, scholarships, and
promotes an environment that attracts and retains workers.
ABOUT: The Massachusetts Senior Care Association represents a diverse set of organizations
that deliver a broad spectrum of services to meet the needs of older adults and people with
disabilities. Its members include more than 400 nursing and rehabilitation facilities, assisted
living residences, residential care facilities and continuing care retirement
communities. Forming a crucial link in the continuum of care, Mass Senior Care facilities provide
housing, health care and support services to more than 120,000 people a year; employ more
than 77,000 staff members; and contribute more than $4 billion annually to the Massachusetts
economy.
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