As our nation continues to debate the many aspects of health care reform, I am concerned by some proposals being considered by Congress that would cut Medicare funding for seniors’ skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. As the executive director of Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, I see firsthand how Medicare beneficiaries recover from debilitating illnesses, regain the ability to walk or talk, and become healthy enough to return to their homes and communities through the care this funding provides.

The America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 proposes to slash Medicare funding nationally for skilled nursing facilities by $32 billion over the next 10 years. These cuts cannot be absorbed by facilities such as those within our community or elsewhere; these cuts are not in the best interest of quality senior care; and they will impact jobs and wages for care providers throughout our nation.

I fear that these cuts to Medicare funding will put those people we serve at risk and not achieve the collective goal of healthcare reform that aims to improve the quality of care available, expand access and coverage to all Americans, and preserve choice.

With so much ongoing debate surrounding healthcare reform, it is imperative the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation fully consider the long term care needs of our state’s older adults and infirmed citizens.

I hope Congress will consider the devastating impact provisions to cut funding for skilled nursing care will have on our Medicare beneficiaries. On behalf of the 134 residents and 245 of my fellow dedicated employees in my facility, I urge you to remove these cuts from the final reform package.

Mark Anderson

executive director

Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea

Albert Lea