SEPT. 25, 2000

Medi-Minutes
Clinton Seeks $1 Billion for Nursing Home Grants

President Clinton is calling for an investment of $1 billion to boost staffing at nursing homes. Quoting a report by the Health Care Financing Administration that residents’ care suffers in nursing homes that are too-often understaffed, Clinton said that too many "are not getting the proper care they deserve."
The money would be used for grants to help nursing homes increase staffing levels and train caregivers in more than 17,000 nursing homes. Clinton also said that Congress should impose financial penalties on nursing homes that are "endangering the safety" of their residents.

Republican leaders in Congress are trying to complete a Medicare pay raise package that would provide some relief for nursing homes as well as hospitals and other health care providers.

Medicare Administrator Resigns

Medicare Administrator Nancy-Ann Min DeParle has announced her resignation effective on October 1. She will become a fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Deputy Administrator Michael Hash will take her place as acting administrator during the rest of Bill Clinton’s term as president.