Busting #MedicaidMyths: Nursing home care

April 18, 2017 / #MedicaidMyths

Myth: "We moved my mom into a nursing home a few months ago. I've heard that Congress isn't planning to touch Medicare, so we're safe. Cuts to Medicaid won't affect us."

Fact: Cuts to Medicaid will affect you. Medicare supports rehabilitation in a nursing home for a limited time, from a few days to a few months. Beyond that, care in a nursing home is paid for through Medicaid. In fact, 25% of total Medicaid spending goes towards long-term care services and supports, including nursing facilities and home and community-based waivers, like PASSPORT. Any cuts to Medicaid could lead to a reduction or elimination of care for individuals in nursing homes.