BEDFORD — With reluctance from some members, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to increase daily rates for patients at the county’s nursing home.
By a 5-2 vote, new rates were set at $165 for non-private rooms, $170 for private rooms with shared bathrooms and $179 for private rooms. Chairman Steve Arrington and Supervisor Chuck Neudorfer voted against the rate changes.
Each increase was $10 more than current rates and $5 less than rates the county had originally advertised.
County Administrator Kathleen Guzi said the increases were necessary for the 90-bed facility to maximize reimbursements from Medicaid, which covers about 80 percent of the patients, as well as provide salary increases for competitive nursing positions.
“We’re well aware of the economic times and do not want to do anything to adversely impact the private-pay residents,” but increases would benefit the long-term future of the nursing home, Guzi said. Even with the increases, she said the county costs less in its rates than other homes in the area.
No one spoke during a public hearing but Guzi spoke on behalf of a person she said called her previously to oppose the rates that would affect a family member.
Earlier this year, supervisors approved $7 increases from former rates, which Arrington said makes the second increase more difficult.
“It’s hard to look these folks in the eye and tell them we have to do this,” said Supervisor Roger Cheek, who said he was reluctantly voting in favor.
Supervisor Gary Lowry, who also expressed support, said though he didn’t like the increase, the county has a responsibility to pay off the new facility that opened in early 2007 on Falling Creek Road.
Arrington said he understands the county needs to stay competative in keeping nurses but the state of the economy has changed things.
“I’d be really sorry if someone had to leave to go somewhere else but you know, this is the real world,” said Arrington.
Guzi said the extra revenue would also go toward a new emergency generator and a building reserve fund for the home.
The nursing home currently has 86 patients, said Director Bob Fabian, who added that he expects to see occupancy return to full capacity in upcoming weeks.
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