Who
- San Francisco Department of Health
- San Francisco-Marin Medical Society
- Community health providers
What
Following several incidents in recent years, including two non-fatal overdoses, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services revoked Laguna Honda Hospital’s (LHH) certification and gave notice that all reimbursements for Medicare would cease. LHH — the largest skilled-nursing facility on the West Coast with 750 beds, roughly 750 patients, and over 1,000 employees — has worked diligently to receive recertification against daunting deadlines. Fortunately, LHH has been recertified in the Medicaid provider program, effective Aug. 18. This ensures that nearly $200 million a year will continue to flow to LHH. Currently, more than 95% of patient care is supported by the Medicaid program.
Next Steps
LHH still needs to apply for reinstatement into the federal Medicare program and may not be able to resume admitting new residents — including dozens who were forced to move out last summer in an aborted closure plan — until that happens. Hospital Council will continue to advocate on behalf of LHH, in partnership with important stakeholders, as this process continues.