North Central Health Care facility in Wausau. Image courtesy: NCHC/ Marathon County
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Leaders of the multi-count North Central Health Care system call on the state to send additional funding after some unexpected funding cuts.
Executive Director Gary Olsen says that unpleasant surprise has put the system’s two county-run nursing homes; Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill and Mount View Care Center in Wausau, in a tight position.
“We would like the legislature, the Governor, to step up and fix this hole that was created for all of us,” said Olsen. “And fix it for the future. Nursing Homes are one of the most important things that we [need] for our elderly population.”
Specifically, Pine Crest lost about $1.5 million and Mount View lost about $1.9 million, according to a memo by Olsen. That puts both facilities into a downward cycle which leads to staffing issues and an inability to care for enough patients to help them bring in revenue. “Everyone is having an issue with staffing, especially in the medical field. Both Nursing Homes are not at full capacity because of staffing.
“That makes it harder for everyone. If we can’t even look at getting to full capacity because of staffing. Then if you cut our money, that impacts staffing,” added Olsen.
In addition to providing benefits and salary that will allow them to get and keep staff, Olsen says they are also being hit by inflation like everyone else.
He says if not for the losses Pine Crest would have ended 2022 with a positive balance sheet. Instead, they may need to request over $1.12 million from Lincoln County to cover losses if the state doesn’t increase its formulas by this summer.
Olsen made the call along with Lincoln County Board Chair Don Friske in two letters sent to Governor Evers, which were released to the media this week. Both noted that it would be extremely difficult for the County to cover over $1 million in losses through a tax levy of $15 million.
Friske also asked that the Governor and lawmakers provide “clear guidance in an urgent timeframe on what counties can expect so we as a county board can make well-informed decisions regarding the feasibility of continuing to provide care for our residents.”
Olsen says the sudden change affected 23 counties throughout the state, mainly in rural areas. “It’s not just Mount View and Pine Crest, this impacted every [corner of the state]. This impacted 23 counties.”
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