By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News
Nursing homes across the state were told to cut their budgets by approximately 2.5 percent in 2013, but by the end of the budget process, the number rose to 16.7 percent.
With Illinois ranking 49th in the country when it comes to Medicaid reimbursements, these cuts would make the state last in the nation.
Malerie Orsowy, community liaison for Pontiac Healthcare and Rehabilitation, joined CEO Richard Burbridge of the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Glenda Tannahill, CEO of the Good Samaritan Group during a special segment on Todd Wineburner’s Morning Show Thursday.
Orsowy said these cuts have multiple impacts.
“It affects everything. We have about 96 people we employ at Pontiac Healthcare and Rehab,” Orsowy said. “It’s already had an effect on our facility. We had to cut employees’ hours, reduction in staff numbers and take a cutback on the activities we offer. The most important thing is it’s taken away from our resident’s care.
