Massachusetts Senior Care Association Honors Congressman Richard Neal

WALTHAM, Mass. - Nov. 8, 2018 - PRLog -- The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) today presented the Honorable Richard E. Neal with its "A Better Life" award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of nursing home residents and staff. The Congressman was honored for his commitment and leadership in protecting access to Medicaid and Medicare for vulnerable elderly residents and patients needing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

"We are grateful to Representative Neal for his longstanding commitment to ensuring that vital skilled nursing facility services are accessible to all residents," said Tara Gregorio, President, MA Senior Care Association. "We thank the Congressman for his longtime support of issues that are critical to our staff and the residents we care for who can no longer live safely in the community."

"Throughout my career in Congress, I have been a proud champion of protecting programs that low, and middle class individuals rely on like Medicare and Medicaid," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "Programs like these add years to life and life to years, and are vital to long- term care. I will continue to protect and maintain these essential programs going forward so all Americans can reap the benefits they deserve."

At today's meeting Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials and nursing facility providers shared best practices on quality improvement projects to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care.

As the Legislature and Governor prepare for the 2019-2020 legislative session, the MSCA will continue to urge adoption of the Nursing Home Stabilization Bill which would update nursing home funding based on more current costs in order to ensure quality resident care and a living wage for caregivers. Today, reimbursement is based on 2007 expenses. More than two-thirds of residents in Massachusetts nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay for their care.

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 150,000 people a year; employ more than 77,000 staff members; and contribute more than $4 billion annually to the Massachusetts economy.