Ohio nursing homes critical of ACA costs

In light of recent state budget cuts, Ohio's nursing home lobby contends that added staffing expenses incurred as a result of the federal Affordable Care Act will seriously threaten the economic viability of some facilities in the state (Source: “Nursing homes say health care mandate too costly,” Middletown Journal, May 22, 2011).

At issue is the ACA requirement that all businesses with 50 employers or greater provide affordable health coverage or face a fine.

“We’re sort of fighting for our lives right now with the budget cuts proposed at the state level," said Peter Van Runkle, executive director of the Ohio Health Care Association “But (the health insurance mandate) is going to create some issues down the road.”