Medicaid cuts could significantly impact senior care in New York, affecting access to nursing homes, staffing levels, and the ability of providers to care for aging patients with medically complex conditions.

That was a key takeaway from a recent All Access Healthcare panel hosted by the Westchester County Association (WCA), where healthcare leaders discussed how proposed federal funding reductions may reshape care delivery across the region.

United Hebrew President and CEO Mark Sanchez joined Bea Grause, President of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), and Alan Kadish, MD, President of Touro University, for the discussion, moderated by Derek Anderson, SVP, President of Northern Westchester Hospital.

What Are the Proposed Medicaid Cuts?

The federal reconciliation bill (HR1) is projected to reduce Medicaid funding by approximately $1 trillion over the next decade.

Panelists described the scale of these cuts as significant, with potential system-wide implications for hospitals, nursing homes, and community-based providers.

How Would Medicaid Cuts Impact Nursing Homes?

Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care services, including nursing homes. At the same time, providers are managing rising costs and higher expections for clinical services.

“The cost of a Medicaid bed is about $590 a day,” explained panelist Mark Sanchez, noting that reimbursement does not fully cover that cost.

If funding is reduced further, potential impacts could include:

Reduced availability of nursing home beds
Financial strain on providers
Increased pressure on hospitals to discharge patients

Are Nursing Home Residents Getting Sicker?

Yes. One of the most important insights from the panel is that today’s nursing home residents have more complex medical needs than in the past.

“We’re taking care of patients today that we never would have taken care of in a nursing home before,” Sanchez said.

He noted that services such as dialysis and blood transfusions are now being provided in skilled nursing settings—care that was once typically delivered in hospitals.

Alan Kadish reinforced this point, noting that patients are living longer with more complex conditions, requiring more coordinated care.

How Do Workforce Shortages Affect Senior Care?

Staffing challenges remain a major issue across the healthcare system.

Panelists noted that providers are continuing to operate in a constrained labor market, making it difficult to recruit and retain staff. This directly affects the system’s ability to meet growing demand.

What Does This Mean for Families?

For families and hospitals alike, Medicaid policy changes may show up in practical ways:

Longer wait times for nursing home placement
Fewer available beds
Increased complexity in coordinating care

As moderator Derek Anderson emphasized, changes at the policy level ultimately affect access to care at the community level.

Why Is Coordinated Senior Care More Important Than Ever?

As patient needs become more complex, coordination across care settings is increasingly critical.

Multiservice senior living campuses like United Hebrew are designed to provide comprehensive levels of care—such as rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory care and assisted living—within one setting, helping providers manage complexity and continuity.

Leading Through Change

While policy decisions continue to unfold, United Hebrew remains focused on strengthening care for today’s seniors while planning responsibly for the future.

As a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-star rated skilled nursing and short-term rehab facility, United Hebrew continues to invest in clinical innovation, workforce development, and thoughtful campus planning to meet rising acuity levels and evolving expectations of healthcare partners and the communities it serves.

“Our responsibility is to anticipate change and respond in ways that ensure seniors continue to receive outstanding, compassionate care,” Sanchez noted.

“That means working collaboratively across the healthcare system and maintaining a long-term commitment to strengthening patient outcomes and building a senior living model that is ready for the future”

For more information or to schedule a campus tour, contact Grace Ferri at gferri@uhgc.org or call 914-632-2804 x1190.

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