<p> LETTER TEMPLATE FULLY FUND THE DAILY MEDICAID RATE FOR NURSING HOME CARE</p><p>SEND TO: </p><p>Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, R-Houston Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston Senator Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown</p><p>House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio Appropriations Chairman John Otto, R-Dayton Representative Sylvester Turner, D-Houston Representative Sarah Davis, R-West University Place Representative Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin Representative Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock</p><p>RE: Increase Funding for the Nursing Home Medicaid Budget FY 2016-2017. </p><p>Dear Senator/Representative NAME,</p><p>My name is ______and I am (title) at (facility name) in (city). (Include a brief description of your facility, the number of people you serve, the services you offer, and the number of people you employ.)</p><p>The impact (facility) has on our state and local economy is clear. Texas nursing homes support approximately 115,000 jobs and $14.5 billion in overall economic activity in the state. With projections continuing to estimate budget shortfalls for Medicaid, it is imperative that the legislature adequately fund programs for our aging population. </p><p>Texas funding for aging services trails behind most states nationally and our Medicaid reimbursement rate remains at inadequate levels. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, our average Medicaid rate for nursing facilities is approximately 14% lower than what is necessary to maintain quality care for frail elderly Texans. </p><p>(Explain how the consistent decrease in reimbursement rates affect your community. Include financial losses and any decreases in Medicaid beds.) Allowing (facility) to close their doors due to inadequate funding is an outcome that Texas’s economy and our seniors cannot afford. </p><p>We understand the challenges you face in making budget allocations, but I ask you to increase funding to the nursing home Medicaid budget for FY 2016-2017 to ensure we are able to provide high quality care to Texas seniors for years to come. </p><p>If we can provide you any additional information please contact me at (phone number) or (email address). Thank you for your time and consideration. </p><p>Sincerely, NAME TITLE FACILITY ADDRESS</p>