LeadingAge Ohio expresses its appreciation to Governor Mike DeWine for signing House Bill 479, legislation that appropriates $875 million to support quality incentive payments for Ohio nursing homes.
The funding marks a critical step toward providing nursing homes with anticipated resources to support high-quality care and reflects years of collaboration among stakeholders committed to strengthening Ohio’s long-term care system.
"We are grateful to Governor DeWine and the General Assembly for completing this important work," said Susan Wallace, president and CEO of LeadingAge Ohio. "This has been a long process, and we are pleased that this milestone has been reached. Ohio's nursing homes have been waiting for these quality incentive payments, and the funding will help providers continue investing in the workforce, services, and quality improvements that benefit residents every day."
With the appropriation now enacted, LeadingAge Ohio said its focus turns to implementation and distribution of the funds.
"Timely delivery of these resources will help providers put these dollars to work as quickly as possible in support of resident care and quality outcomes,” Wallace added.
LeadingAge Ohio looks forward to close collaboration with state leaders and the Department of Medicaid throughout the implementation process and remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen aging services across Ohio.