Health Care Bill Cuts Could Hit North Dakota Hard

The new proposed Senate health care bill has some North Dakotans wondering about what's coming next - especially those at or near retirement age.

KXMB News reports the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the bill have some people concerned.

Current or future retirees - as well as their children - are wondering just what will come next.

State and regional organizations like the North Dakota Long Term Care Association are speaking out against the cuts. A number of nursing homes have also spoken in opposition.

As a spokesperson for the North Dakota Long Term Care Association notes, "right now in the Senate version there are a lot less dollars for long term care."

The administrator of Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck residents won't be the only ones who feel the effects. "If we cannot fund, if we cannot provide raises to attract or retain present staff, the care will diminish."

Both North Dakota U.S. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven say they do not support the bill as it stands.

[KXMB TV]