Summary
Nursing homes in the U.S. are facing challenges due to proposed Medicaid cuts and stricter immigration measures under the Trump administration. The industry relies heavily on immigrant workers, and a reduction in this workforce could worsen existing staffing shortages and care quality issues.
Key Facts
- Nursing homes depend on immigrant workers, making up 28% of the direct care workforce.
- The Trump administration lifted protections against immigration raids at health care facilities, affecting worker availability.
- Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could reduce funding for nursing homes, which rely on Medicaid to pay for care for 60% of residents.
- Nursing homes are already struggling with staff shortages after COVID-19, where over 200,000 long-term care residents and staff died.
- Quality of care issues in nursing homes have increased, with more facilities cited for endangering residents.
- Congress may oppose a rule that requires minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, further affecting care standards.
