PORTLAND, Ore., November 16, 2016—The Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA) has published the “2016 Long Term Care State Report” which details valuable data and research on the long term care service sector in Oregon. The report identifies the economic impacts of Oregon’s long term care service sector, impacts of the new minimum wage on the sector, Oregon’s ranking in critical long term care measures, key demographics for Oregon’s aging population, the costs associated with long term care, and more. The report will be presented and discussed at the Annual Quality Summit, January 31, 2017, in Salem.
“Using academic, government, and commissioned data sources, we created a report that showcases the continuum of long term care services and supports, and its significant impacts, in our state,” said Walter Dawson, DPhil, OHCA’s director of research and analytics. “We hope interested Oregonians and policy makers will use this information in making decisions about the sector.”
Some of the other highlights from the report include:
- The total direct labor cost increases of the new minimum wage to the sector are estimated to be $437 million by 2022.
- Oregon invests more in home and community-based services as a percentage of public long term care service spending than any other state.
- In 2015, 85,668 Oregonians were 85 or older. By 2035 this cohort is projected to double in size, with 173,634 Oregonians over the age of 85.
- There is a 43 percent Medicaid to private pay shortfall in assisted living and a 56 percent Medicaid to private pay shortfall in memory care.
The report is available to view online. OHCA will continue to produce a new, updated state report every two years.
About the Oregon Health Care Association
The Oregon Health Care Association improves the lives of seniors and people with disabilities by educating and advocating for quality care. The largest long term care trade association in Oregon, the Oregon Health Care Association represents more than 900 organizations statewide, including nursing facilities, assisted living, residential care, senior housing, licensed in-home care agencies, and business partner members. Learn more at www.OHCA.com.
