Testing AL and nursing homes for COVID-19 would cost $672M
Testing the combined residents of the nation’s assisted living facilities and nursing homes would cost a whopping $672 million for just one round of testing.
That’s according to the American Health Care Association and National Center of Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which previously published data for the cost of testing the nation’s nursing homes only once for COVID-19. Testing nursing homes alone––including residents and staff––would cost $440 million, the association estimated. AL facilities are an additional $232 million.
The high cost underscores the need for federal help to fund testing in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, something AHCA/NCAL has been calling on Congress and federal agencies to provide.
“With seniors among those most susceptible to the virus, the assisted living profession, in particular, is facing historic challenges when it comes to our most sacred charge – the health and safety of our residents,” Scott Tittle, executive director of NCAL, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, shortages of testing and PPE continue to be a challenge nationwide and because assisted living communities are not medical facilities, they have not been prioritized for testing or supplies. We encourage our elected leaders to prioritize our most vulnerable and those who care for them in long-term care settings as they allocate these critical resources.”
Assisted living facilities, in contrast to nursing homes, have not received federal funding help.
“For months now, we have been advocating for expanded and priority testing in long term care facilities to protect our residents and caregivers, but this is a significant undertaking and cost for them to shoulder on their own,” Marl Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, said in a statement. “Assisted living communities have yet to receive any direct aid, despite also serving vulnerable seniors. While building on support received from HHS, we are asking for additional consideration for all long term care facilities, whether it be in regard to additional testing, personal protective equipment, or funding.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."