Medicaid tax hurts nonprofit nursing homes

Editor: I read with interest the article by Anthony Man in your August-September publication, "Financing Medicaid by new tax on health facilities." In discussing the hospitals and nursing homes that gain or lose by the tax Man said, "The biggest losers are those with low Medicaid populations, most of them in the suburban areas around Chicago."

The home I live in is in that "suburban area." It has a Health Care Center classified by the state as a nursing home. I do not live in this center, but I receive health care when needed.

The Maywood Baptist Retirement Home was incorporated in 1907. It began caring for the elderly in 1909 as a nonprofit institution. As the need grew, through constant sacrificial giving, additions were made and the Health Care Center was begun. Its doors are open to those who need care regardless of religion or race.

It has faced and is still facing financial problems. There have been times when it seemed that it was on the verge of bankruptcy. Just recently the situation seemed better.

Then came the tax! I know that some source for funds for Medicaid had to be found. The big problem is that the "losers" are being taxed in the same way as the homes making a profit.

When the legislature and Gov. Edgar are discussing this tax plan (HB 2788/PA 87-0861) and thinking about signing it into law for another year, my hope is that they will find a way to relieve the home in which I live of this terrific financial burden they have placed on nonprofit institutions. This home is needed, for it provides health care for those who could not afford to be in other homes in our area.

However, if a way is found to relieve this home and other homes like it of this tax burden, I pray that the state will not reduce the funds they should receive from Medicaid.

Thelma L. Reese
Maywood

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Caroline Gherardini, Editor
Illinois Issues
Sangamon State University
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9243

Corrections and clarifications

Sterling "Mac" Ryder, acting director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), has decided to accept the salary set by statute for his new job:

$71,069. That's a pay cut from the $74,492 salary he was earning as general counsel to the department. Janet Peters from the DCFS communications office called to ask for this clarification. "Names" in October (page 34) reported he would continue earning the higher salary.

The late Helen McGillicuddy was the first woman elected to the appellate court in Illinois. She was elected in the 1st District in 1976. She retired in 1986. In "The state of the State" in October (page 9), we incorrectly granted that distinction to Blanche M. Manning.

Also correcting the record (October, page 8): William G. Clark and Thomas J. Moran both retired as Illinois Supreme Court justices this month after serving 16 years each, not 26 years; John L. Nickels, newly elected Illinois Supreme Court justice from the 2nd District, served on the Illinois 2nd District Appellate Court since 1990, not since 1989.

4/December 1992/Illinois Issues