Sen. Grohoski heralds support for long-term care in budget passed by Maine Legislature, signed by Gov. Mills

AUGUSTA — Today, Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, heralded the inclusion of higher reimbursement rates for nursing homes, which fully funds Maine’s nursing facility rate reform initiative, in the biennial budget passed by the Maine Legislature last week and signed by Gov. Janet Mills. Sen. Grohoski remains a steadfast advocate for better investments in long-term care, especially after the closure of the last nursing home — Seaport Village — in Hancock County.

“Maine’s nursing homes are not just facilities; they are communities. They are where our elders receive the care they deserve, where families gather and where dignity is preserved in the later years of life,” said Sen. Grohoski. “With this funding, we can help reverse the trend of nursing home closures and further ensure that Maine’s other nursing homes remain open, accessible and fully funded for the people who need them most.”

The budget improves reimbursement rates for nursing facilities and Maine’s Veterans Homes by investing $6.5 million to fully fund Maine’s nursing facility rate reform. Funds will support the direct care workforce, help with workforce retention and promote quality care and positive health outcomes for Maine residents who live in nursing facilities. This investment will also be matched by $12.2 million in funding from the federal government over the next two years.

This investment was included as part of a balanced, fiscally responsible two-year budget that lowers costs and defends the rights and freedoms of Maine people. The first part of the budget, which funded baseline government services and avoided a government shutdown, was passed in March of this year. The Legislature passed the second part of the budget — which funds initiatives that meet the needs of Maine people — on June 18, and the Governor signed it into law on June 20.

Part II of the biennial budget will take effect on September 24, 2025.

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