AOPHA Advocacy Overview

AOPHA sets yearly priorities for advocacy, long identified by members as the top priority of the association. Throughout the year, these issues are reviewed for current information as the legislative landscape changes. Below are the key issues identified for 2008, each of which has its own separate issue paper further explaining the key points and needed action:

Medicaid Reimbursement for SNFs
AOPHA believes the current pricing system does not ensure quality services for Ohio’s frail elderly who live in skilled nursing facilities. Provider incentives should lead to desired levels of care. We believe a modified pricing system with a greater focus on quality, which is used in many other states, would accomplish these goals with a more balanced approach to payment for skilled nursing services. Full implementation of the pricing methodology would be especially devastating to not-for-profit facilities.

PASSPORT
As the state moves to a more consumer-driven and consumer choice-based long-term care system, more older adults and their families have indicated a desire to stay at home as long as possible. To meet this growing need, provider reimbursement rates for PASSPORT need to be increased to attract more providers to the program before waiver slots are expanded.

Small Communities in Ohio
The increased utilization of small communities as an alternative to skilled nursing care is imperative in Ohio to meet the changing demands of consumers using skilled nursing care and housing. These changes will require state support, including overdue regulatory relief to recognize these new models.

PACE Expansion
As the state considers greater consumer choice for long term care services, older adults and their families would like to receive it at home. To meet this growing need, initiatives such as the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) need to be expanded beyond current pilot locations. 

Skilled Nursing Care Coalition (SNCC)
AOPHA is a member of the Ohio Skilled Nursing Care Coalition (SNCC) comprised of the three associations who represent skilled nursing homes and the residents they serve. The Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA) and the Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes (OANH) have joined AOPHA to advocate for fair and reasonable Medicaid funding.  The Coalition strives to provide information and education for legislators, media and the general public on the changing field of senior services. 

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