maine veterans homes

State lawmakers stepped in two years ago to prevent the closure of two nursing and rehab homes for veterans. But the CEO of the nonprofit that runs the homes said low MaineCare reimbursement rates continue to cause large shortfalls.

The VA had long reimbursed state veteran homes for providing a certain kind of care to older patients with dementia, but those payments stopped about four years ago.

The annual report from Maine Veterans’ Homes stated that it costs $15 million more to care for residents at its six homes than the nonprofit receives in reimbursements.

A panel chartered by the Legislature found that staffing shortages have kept the veterans homes from being fully occupied, wages have gone up in order to attract enough workers, and Medicaid and federal Veterans Affairs reimbursements rates have not kept up with the cost of providing care.

The surprise move directs the legislature's watchdog agency to explore a whistleblower's allegations about the finances of a state-chartered nonprofit that operates six veterans support homes across the state.

Friday's vote from the board that oversees Maine Veterans' Homes comes after Gov. Janet Mills signed a new bill into law, which was designed to prevent the facilities' closure.

The law creates a new process, which includes a public hearing and legislative approval, that Maine Veterans' Homes must follow to close a facility in the future.

The legislation faces one more vote in the Senate before it will head to Gov. Janet Mills' desk for her signature.

Gov. Janet Mills says the extra funding will give the state and the independent non-profit that runs the veterans homes more time to develop a long-term plan for the facilities' residents.

The legislature is considering a bill from Maine Senate President Troy Jackson that would provide emergency funding for the Caribou and Machias homes and require legislative approval before closing facilities.