FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chairman Forster examines Long-Term Care challenges at legislative academy

2005 General Assembly

November 15, 2005 -- Atlanta, GA – As Georgia’s baby boomers move toward their retirement years, Representative Ron Forster is already examining the unique long-term health care challenges state government faces for both current and future senior citizens.

Forster was among 65 legislators, Department of Community Health officials and long-term care providers discussing ways the state can better serve these populations during a recent Long-Term Care Academy for Legislators sponsored in the Capitol complex by the Georgia Health Care Association.

Moderated by GHCA President Fred Watson, the academy included presentations by state and national experts on long-term care, including Joe Lubarsky, partner, BDO Siedman, LLP, who gave a national perspective on changes in the Medicaid program.

In addition, Ronnie Rollins, president, Community Health Systems reviewed trends in the state’s Medicaid payment programs to the state’s nursing homes.  Later, Lucy Rogers, R.N., president, Ethica Health & Retirement Communities outlined the state’s long-term care quality initiative that is rapidly becoming a model for other states.

Finally, Neil Pruitt, Jr., Chairman & CEO, UHS-Pruitt Corporation outlined alternatives to Medicaid modernization that allow the state to improve the long-term health care quality for the state’s seniors, while helping keep costs manageable.

The Academy is part of the Georgia Health Care Association’s on-going campaign to update legislators on rapidly changing trends in healthcare; particularly the evolving role of nursing homes and other providers in caring for the state’s frail, sick and elderly.

 The Georgia Health Care Association represents the work of 29,000 employees and approximately 41,000 beds in 362 facilities throughout Georgia.  Of these beds, 39,500 are Medicaid funded.

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For More Information Contact:

State Representative District 3
18 Capitol Ave., LOB Rm 614-C, Atlanta GA 30736
Tel: 404-656-3957
FAX: 404-656-0250
Internet: RForster@legis.state.ga.us

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Last modified: April 25, 2006