This week, the Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee released its FY 2026 budget recommendation totaling $61.3 billion. We are pleased to report that the Committee’s recommendation consistent with Governor Healey’s recommendation would fund $102 million in new Medicaid nursing facility spending. Last month, the House passed its budget recommending $132 million in new funding for nursing facility care. All three budgets propose increasing the nursing facility user fee to the maximum amount under federal law, which would result in an overall $22 million (or $2/day) increase in assessments.
Mass Senior Care thanks Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues for continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of nursing facility residents and their caregivers. The Committee’s FY 2026 budget recommendation will be debated by the full Senate beginning on Tuesday, May 20th.
A budget amendment has been filed by Senator Barry Finegold to increase the Committee’s recommendation from $102 million to $132 million - consistent with the House final recommendation.
Mass Senior Care will issue a call to action on Monday, as we seek critical co-sponsors for the amendment. We will require the full and active participation of our entire membership in our advocacy efforts.