For Nevada's troubled nursing-home industry, Gov. Kenny Guinn's order Tuesday to increase state Medicaid payments was more than a welcome respite. It was potentially a life-saver.
Beyond the industry, however, the move to send $8.2 million toward long-term care should help significantly to ease the minds of elderly residents and their families. Without it, the state would continue to slide toward inadequacy in the number of beds available to nursing-home patients.
The industry had blamed the state in part for its dire financial straits. Nevada has been running behind in its payments, and the cash-flow problems were among the factors cited in bankruptcy proceedings by several nursing homes.
Some 60 percent of the nursing-home beds are occupied by Medicaid patients, making it the most significant source of revenue.
By kicking up Nevada's payments, the federal Medicaid contribution will increase as well. The total $16.36 million infusion into the industry is a shot in the arm.
"It'll keep us open," said Jim Toomey, operator of a long-term care center in Las Vegas. "This is very critical."
The increase in payments was possible because Nevada still has money available in its budget. The number of patients has not risen as fast as expected.
Credit Guinn and Human Resources Director Charlotte Crawford with getting that money moving in the right direction. It's not the cure for all that ails Nevada's nursing-home industry, but it certainly is part of the prescription for restoring a semblance of health.
And if it keeps more beds available for elderly people who need the care, then it can be considered a godsend for some Nevada families.
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