The issues
Washington state is aging. And with the growing senior population comes the need for expanded senior care. We have the opportunity to invest now to ensure our seniors have access to high-quality care.Washington state is aging
Over the next 10 years, Washington will see 500,000+ more seniors living in our state. That’s a 40% increase. We will have more seniors than students in K-12 schools. And while our legislature has spent the last six years focusing on how to fund the McCleary Decision – the state supreme court decision demanding immediate action on increased funding for public education – other looming priorities, such as funding senior care, have been set aside. We can no longer wait to invest in care for our state’s aging population.
Funding for senior care is in crisis
Medicaid pays caregivers and facilities far less than it costs to provide care for seniors. And that’s a problem. As a result, many senior care facilities are in financial distress. More than a dozen have closed their doors in the last 18 months. Other facilities cannot afford to accept Medicaid patients. This trend is unsustainable. The Washington legislature needs to close the gap between the cost of providing high-quality care for seniors and the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Medicaid pays caregivers and facilities far less than it costs to provide care for seniors. And that’s a problem. As a result, many senior care facilities are in financial distress. More than a dozen have closed their doors in the last 18 months. Other facilities cannot afford to accept Medicaid patients. This trend is unsustainable. The Washington legislature needs to close the gap between the cost of providing high-quality care for seniors and the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Funding for senior care is in crisis
All Washington seniors deserve access to high-quality care, housing and support services
We all know someone who is getting older. And if we’re lucky, we’ll get older someday, too. Senior care facilities provide a safe and independent place for vulnerable seniors to receive quality care, services and housing. Washington needs a broad range of care choices that support seniors as they age, because the aging journey looks different for each senior and family. The only way to increase access and choice for seniors and families is to adequately fund senior care.
Caring for seniors will take all of us
Ten years and the addition of a 500,000 more senior citizens is going to happen quickly. A strong network of senior care options is vital for providing safe places for vulnerable populations to age with dignity. Washington state has the responsibility — and the financial ability — to address the needs of our rapidly aging communities.