The Alaska Legislature has approved legislation that would lower rates for residents of state-supported elder-care facilities.<\/p>\n
The bill, from Rep. Zack Fields, an Anchorage Democrat, also would limit future rate increases. It passed the Legislature Tuesday and next goes to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for consideration.<\/p>\n
The state last year expanded from three to five the levels of care offered at Pioneer Homes and raised rates between 40% and nearly 140%, to levels officials said was more in line with the cost to provide services.<\/p>\n
The bill reduces prices for the first four levels and allows Alaska’s health department to set a monthly rate it deems sufficient to compensate the state for care and support for residents receiving the most comprehensive level. Cost for that tier currently is $15,000 a month.<\/p>\n
The department, in a fiscal analysis, said the bill sets rates that are an average of 26% less than the costs of providing services.<\/p>\n
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