Assisted-living homes are rejecting Medicaid and evicting seniors

Assisted-living residents who depend on Medicaid to pay their bills have been facing eviction. Federal law protects Medicaid beneficiaries who reside in nursing homes but does not protect assisted-living homes. This leaves few options for those evicted. Currently, approximately 4.4 million Americans have some long-term care provided by Medicaid. However, representatives from the Assisted Living Industry say Medicaid does not pay facilities enough to maintain care.

Family members of those evicted are understandably angry at the treatment their loved ones have received. “It’s cruel, heartless, and sad,” says Anna Marra, daughter Shirley Holtz, who was evicted from an assisted living facility in Wisconsin at 91. Three weeks after the move, Holtz passed away. Her family believes the move was a huge factor in her decline.

Advocates are now voicing concerns about the pandemic-induced economic conditions contributing to high labor costs, inflation, and higher interest rates.

For more information see Christopher Rowland “Assisted-living homes are rejecting Medicaid and evicting seniors” The Washington Post, April 6, 2023.

Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) and Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.