Maine Health Care Association Meets with Senator Susan Collins

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 10/28/2021 14:40:14
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

Representatives from the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) and the American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) met with U.S. Senator Susan Collins on Monday, October 25^th. The main topics of discussion included the work force crisis, facility closures, issues with agency staffing, and opportunities to recruit and retain workers. The group provided key updates on the staffing shortages in Maine and shared the MHCA issue brief document on the workforce crisis.
 
In addition, representatives also discussed the recent AHCA/NCAL letter to the Federal Trade Commission. Specifically, the letter requests that the FTC use its authority to protect consumers from anticompetitive and unfair practices and investigate and take appropriate action to ensure our nation's elderly and those with disabilities receive the quality care they deserve.
 
We also thanked the Senator for all of her efforts to get the Phase 4 Provider Relief Funding released. Those resources are critically needed to assist providers with lost revenue and increased expenses associated with the pandemic. As a reminder, applicants who have submitted their Tax Identification Number (TIN) for validation prior to the deadline now have until November 3^rd to submit a completed application. Details here.
 
MHCA thanks members John Bolduc, Executive Director of Odd Fellows and Rebekah's Home and Deb Fournier, COO at Maine Veterans' Homes, for joining the call to share their perspectives.
 
A meeting with Senator King's office is anticipated for next week.
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org