AARP applauds Biden’s decision to pull federal funding from nursing homes that don’t have fully vaccinated staff

The Biden Administration said they will pull federal funding from nursing homes that don’t have fully immunized staff. AARP State Executive Director Denise Bottcher applauds the president’s decision in an effort to protect residents and other staff members from COVID exposures from unvaccinated employees.

“We’re pleased with this latest action because of the trends we’re seeing and the trend being that staff are getting infected with COVID and they are bringing it to the nursing home,” said Bottcher.

Botcher said the decision to withdraw Medicare and Medicaid funding from nursing homes that do not have fully vaccinated staff is direly needed as infection rates among employees are rising and will eventually affect residents.

“Deaths are increasing, we do know that staff infection rates are increasing, and they are mirroring what is happening in the community of where the nursing home lives,” said Bottcher.

According to AARP’s most recent dashboard since July 28^th the state has recorded 30 more deaths from COVID among nursing home residents. From June 2^nd to July 21^st only three COVID deaths were reported in nursing homes.

Staff vaccination rates in Louisiana have increased but only by one percent to 49-percent. Bottcher said the nursing home staff vaccination rate in Louisiana mirrors the state vaccination towards the bottom compared to other states.

“We were among the lowest in the states in the nation, regarding staff who are vaccinated in nursing homes. And that’s just in a very dangerous position to be in,” said Botcher.

Here is a statement from Louisiana Nursing Home Association Executive Director Mark Berger:

“Louisiana’s nursing facilities are required to follow federal and state guidance and have done so throughout the pandemic. The Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA) and its member facilities are awaiting the new guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding mandating staff vaccination. Once CMS releases the guidance, facilities will comply, as doing so is required to continue caring for residents who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. Our focus remains on protecting Louisiana’s most vulnerable during this pandemic.”