grassroots solutions began working with the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (KAHSA) earlier this year to conduct a grassroots audit, provide recommendations for improving their grassroots advocacy programs, and assist with implementation. Recently, grassroots solutions worked with KAHSA to try to prevent a tax on nursing homes in the state. Initially, everyone thought it would be difficult to slow the train, and considered this an opportunity to strengthen KAHSA’s grassroots program so they could come back another day. Because of KAHSA’s strong grassroots program and the leadership of their board and staff, the Kansas legislature negotiated and accepted KAHSA’s substantial amendments to the bill. KAHSA President and CEO Debra Zehr said, “I’m now convinced of the power of grassroots. I never want to go back [to a time without a strong grassroots program]“. This marks a new era of grassroots power, as KAHSA is now considered a powerful player in this landscape, and Kansas seniors are a little less vulnerable as a result. grassroots solutions is proud to have been a part of this important project. Please see below for the official press release from KAHSA.
FOR RELEASE ON May 7, 2010 AT 4:30 p.m.
For more information,
Contact: Debra Zehr
785-233-0758, Ext. 111
dzehr@kahsa.org
KAHSA Reaches Compromise, Gains Protections on Nursing Home Bed Tax
TOPEKA, KS – The Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (KAHSA) reached an acceptable agreement Wednesday with proponents of the Nursing Home Bed Tax and now supports the revised bill. The Association’s Board of Directors and leadership believe that the new provisions address the long-held concerns about the bill.
“I believe this is the best outcome we could have hoped to achieve under the circumstances”, notes Debra Zehr, president and CEO. “Due to strong grassroots advocacy and the great leadership of our board and staff, many concessions were made to protect self-paying nursing home residents from bearing the brunt of the tax, and for assuring that the funds will be used to improve quality of care rather than corporate profit.”
Other favorable points negotiated in the compromise by KAHSA and its members include strong language prohibiting the Governor or Legislature from using the funds for anything other than nursing home care, elimination of a requirement to charge private pay seniors more than the current Medicaid rate, as well as adding a direct consumer of nursing home services (or a family member) to the panel that will oversee the quality care improvement funds.
“The Board consistently met throughout the Session, struggled with the issue, and mobilized people to speak loudly and clearly on behalf of seniors in Kansas,” states KAHSA Board Chair Jim Morford from Ellsworth. “It is clear our concerns are being heard and this compromise addresses a large part of our concerns. Through strong negotiations we have been able to come to an acceptable compromise. We will continue to work to ensure this legislative action reflects the respect to our seniors that they are due.”
The compromise bill was passed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday and a vote by the full Senate is expected soon.
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KAHSA represents not-for-profit long-term care provider organizations throughout Kansas. Our 160 members exist solely to serve the unmet needs of elders. They spring from a diverse heritage of religious, fraternal, civic organizations, and local units of government. All share a common benevolent purpose and are committed to a ministry of service, care, and community benefit. KAHSA members serve nearly 20,000 Kansas seniors in retirement communities, nursing homes, hospital long-term care units, assisted living residences, senior housing and through community-based services.