New York Nursing Homes Face Protests, Medicaid Cuts Threaten Care

States across the U.S. are facing mounting challenges in maintaining adequate nursing home staffing levels, driven by workforce shortages, burnout, and financial pressures. In South Carolina, a projected 20% shortfall of registered nurses by 2036 is exacerbated by an aging workforce and population, as well as lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill to increase mandated staffing hours in nursing homes, but concerns about high costs and inflexible requirements may stall its passage, with industry leaders warning it could worsen reliance on expensive temporary staff and impact care quality. Meanwhile, in western New York, nursing home workers are holding protests and threatening strikes as they push for higher wages, better benefits, and pension improvements to help recruit and retain staff, especially as Medicaid funding remains uncertain. Experts and advocates emphasize the need for collaboration among providers, labor, and government to address systemic issues and prevent further strain on long-term care facilities.