Some Cumberland County residents want commissioners to ‘pause’ pursuit of nursing home sale

Money isn’t the reason many Cumberland County residents oppose the sale of the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carlisle.

But, that’s why county commissioners want to sell it.

The longstanding Carlisle-based center is projected to cost the county $8 million to run it in 2022. If it’s not privatized, commissioners said taxpayers will have to subsidize the cost. And, they warned that federal and state subsidies aren’t strong at the moment because of COVID-19, placing more responsibilities on the backs of taxpayers.

Exploring a third option, other than privatizing or subsidizing, should be considered, said Rick Coplen, who attended a virtual town hall Tuesday night.

“Today we face multiple crises,” Coplen said. “A public health crisis, which may soon become a mental health crisis. An economic crisis. And an eldercare crisis, including a potential staffing crisis. I respectfully urge you to pause the sale of our Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center until at least four things are achieved.”

The four things to achieve are as follows:

All of the people of Cumberland County -- especially the residents and staff of Claremont, who are willing, are vaccinated against COVID 19 -- and the vaccine is proven effective here

All pertinent information regarding the sale of Claremont be published to the Cumberland County PA government website, in one clearly identifiable place, including all previous conversations about selling it; all current information, including charts; and answers to all questions raised during the two town halls

Commissioners and county staff facilitate a community-wide committee of experts from government, businesses, nonprofits, to citizens to think through how Claremont can be made more fiscally viable while ensuring high quality of care for all of its residents

Advocate for help from the state and federal governments

“Yes, I believe that we, working together as a community, can develop other viable options,” Coplen said.

Nine prospective buyers submitted proposals to take over ownership, said Jay Wenger of Susquehanna Group Advisors Inc., a Dauphin County financial advisory firm. Wenger moderated the virtual town hall. The deadline to submit proposals was Monday.

All of the buying interest came from corporations, former Cumberland County Commissioner Rick Rovegno said Wednesday. Rovegno, who participated in the first virtual town hall at the end of November, said he watched the entire virtual meeting, but he refrained from participating so others could speak.

During the town hall, Wenger explained that the county had two requirements: interested buyers must have a Medicaid-license for a minimum of 15 years because at least 75 percent of Claremont’s residents are on Medicaid assistance; and that most of the center’s existing employees are retained.

“We’ll do our best, is what commissioners are saying,” Rovengo said in a phone interview. “There is no absolute assurance of wages or benefits. They are literally risking their life when they are giving care. From the staff perspective, not knowing in three to four months time what your salary and benefits are going to be, that’s adding additional stress to their lives.”

No specifics were shared in terms of what the starting salary would be if another organization took over. Wenger emphasized that whoever is selected to buy the center is most likely going to offer competitive packages to retain existing employees.

As far as benefits go, there would be no gap in coverage, Commissioner Vince DiFilippo said.

“Our goal is that virtually all employees will be offered employment at Claremont and I can say this with very high confidence, the frontline workers, those providing care on a day-to-day basis regardless of their shift or position, will be offered a job,” Wenger said. “It is a very, very, very competitive industry. Everybody is struggling with the same issues today, and so it would certainly not be in anybody’s interest to downsize the staff.”

He continued: “We expect frankly a very aggressive hiring campaign would occur very quickly to try to bolster the existing roster of employees. Employee wages will not go down, that is another part of the proposal process that will be evaluated very carefully. Again, a very, very competitive industry, it’s not going to work for anybody to come in and reduce wages. Quite frankly they will probably look to go in the other direction.”

Because there is no governing state or federal statute that is prescribed to guarantee or enforce that a certain number of Medicaid recipients have to be allowed to reside at the center, Rovengo said he isn’t convinced that a “contract” will protect a large number of Claremont’s current residents.

Over time, and after the 15-year license expires, there is nothing to guarantee that Medicaid recipients will be able to stay, he said.

“Yes, there is a contract for a certain period of time for Medicaid recipients, but it would be very difficult to enforce,” he said. “Typically, with nursing homes, there’s one of four ways of receiving revenue. Medicaid, Medicare, private pay, or direct payments.”

The other key elements of accepting a buyer’s proposals were experienced in Pennsylvania, especially with reimbursements, financial stability, reputable company, and acquisition history and success, Wenger said.

DiFilippo said he wants to hear from county residents. He added he thinks selling Claremont is the “best thing.”

“Counties simply cannot operate a facility in a manner in which an organization that is well versed do,” he said. “And, they have knowledge of the ever-evolving federal regulations. Transferring ownership to one of these organizations is the most efficient and most responsible move for the county to make. Not only for its residents but also the employees and the community that we serve.”

Jean Foschi, who is the board’s vice chairwoman, said she understands the emotional toll it takes on a person to hear that a center like Claremont is up for sale. She said she recently had to place her mom in an assisted living facility.

“This has been a very stressful year, and I’m sure the information that you’re hearing about our nursing home is adding to your stress level,” she said. “The subject of ownership of Claremont is emotionally charged.”

She dispelled a few “myths” that Claremont would be sold by Dec. 31 and that some residents are going to have to move out.

“That is not true,” she said. “It is not happening. That would not happen under the watch of the three commissioners sitting here. So, I think it’s important that we put the truths out to you and that you understand that there’s some misinformation going on. And I think some of that was designed to emotionally charge people. And, let’s remember that our best decisions are made when we thoughtfully consider facts and feelings. We have to do diligent research.”

As the commissioners move forward with the process, it’s estimated that an actual agreement, sale, and transition would not take place until early summer of 2021.

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