A coalition of healthcare groups has launched a national advertising campaign to educate lawmakers on the need to protect and defend seniors’ access to quality skilled nursing and rehabilitative care.
“Care Not Cuts” was launched in Florida by the American Health Care Association, the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, and the state affiliate Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) amid growing concern Medicare benefits will be slashed as Congress looks for ways to cut the federal deficit.
“Already coping with billions of dollars in reductions from healthcare reform, federal regulations and a state Medicaid crisis, our facilities are feeling the impact,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA executive director. “This campaign raises awareness among Florida’s congressional delegation that we cannot sustain any more cuts, and who better to deliver this message than the dedicated caregivers who serve our seniors every single day?”
Beginning Aug. 29 and lasting until Sept. 6, the first TV spot will feature frontline caregivers declaring the need to ensure nursing homes are spared from any additional cuts. Such facilities have seen cuts in the billions through Medicare and Medicaid over the past five years.
Reed said the campaign will proceed for the remainder of 2011 and highlight the fact that in Florida alone, long-term and rehabilitative facilities account for more than 178,000 jobs.
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