Coalition Urges Trump Administration to Take Action on Nursing Home Care
The Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition is calling on the Trump administration to clarify its plans for improving long-term care (LTC) quality over the next four years, urging a more effective and humane system. In a statement released Tuesday, the coalition emphasized the need for federal leadership in addressing systemic challenges that have long plagued the industry.
A Call for Clarity Amid Federal Uncertainty
The coalition’s statement comes in response to funding freezes, communication slowdowns, and federal workforce reductions that have raised concerns among providers. These disruptions threaten efforts to enhance nursing home quality and could further strain an already struggling system.
Alice Bonner, chair of the Moving Forward coalition, noted that LTC issues are often overlooked in federal policy discussions.
“It is not really surprising that we haven’t heard much about nursing home issues. Nursing home residents, staff members, and care partners may not have the flexibility to advocate for their needs or visit with members of Congress or state legislators in terms of policy change,” Bonner told McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. “We need to amplify the voice of residents!”
The NASEM Report and Federal Responsibility
The coalition formed in response to a 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), which highlighted the urgent need for reform in nursing homes. The report asserted that the federal government must take the lead in improving LTC quality through increased funding, stronger oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
To align with these recommendations, the coalition is urging President Trump, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue a joint statement outlining their commitment to nursing home reforms.
Potential Risks if Funding Remains Uncertain
According to the coalition, several critical initiatives outlined in the NASEM report could be at risk if funding remains uncertain, including:
- Training grants to enhance the role of certified nursing assistants (CNAs);
- Research on systemic barriers to workforce recruitment and retention;
- Development of a health equity strategy to address disparities in nursing home care;
- Adequate resourcing of state survey agencies to ensure proper oversight and enforcement.
Medicaid Cuts Pose Major Threat
A significant concern is the potential for Medicaid funding cuts, which could severely impact the quality of care in nursing homes. Medicaid is the primary payer for over 62% of nursing home residents, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Any reduction in funding could mean fewer resources for essential services such as behavioral health programs, nutritious meals, and resident activities.
“While some nursing homes are able to provide services such as mental and behavioral health, including for individuals living with cognitive challenges, in other nursing homes, those services are inadequate to meet residents’ needs,” Bonner said. “Reductions in Medicaid may influence nursing homes’ ability to provide those and other needed services such as life enrichment (activities), healthy food, and others to residents in need.”
Medicaid cuts could also impact staffing levels and wages, exacerbating existing workforce shortages. A 2023 survey by the American Health Care Association found that 94% of nursing homes are experiencing staffing shortages, a problem that could worsen without adequate financial support.
Advocacy Efforts Continue
Despite these challenges, the Moving Forward coalition remains committed to pushing for change. Current initiatives include strengthening resident councils in Connecticut and piloting a resident engagement program in Kansas in partnership with Kansas State University.
While these efforts are critical, industry leaders stress that meaningful improvements require strong federal support. The coalition’s statement underscores the urgency for action, urging the Trump administration to take definitive steps in shaping the future of long-term care.
“The well-being of millions of seniors depends on a clear and committed federal response. Now is the time for leadership,” Bonner concluded.