(File Photo Courtesy of Pa Media Services)
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Nursing home trade associations in Pennsylvania say they have agreed to boost staffing levels as part of a deal with Gov. Tom Wolf to increase aid to an industry struggling with high turnover. Wolf on Monday signed legislation authorizing nearly $300 million a year in additional Medicaid payments to nursing homes, which were wracked by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s almost 20% more annually. Wolf said the deal is a “major step forward for Pennsylvania’s long-term care industry.” Officials say the money should boost worker salaries, staffing levels and retention while stabilizing the facilities’ finances and improving the quality of care.