From Herb Hanson, Dennis Everson, Jody Hoesly, Gary Neuenschwander and Joan Rufenacht 

Green County Board Pleasant View Oversight Committee

To the editor:

Green County residents have long been strong and ardent supporters of Pleasant View Skilled Care and Rehab. On Nov. 6, voters will be asked to continue that support in a referendum question requesting up to $790,000 annually in additional tax money over the next six years.

We strongly support the referendum and urge its passage.

The funding would continue a similar amount approved in 2014 and due to expire next year. It would not increase the current property taxes. The funds would be used for cost of care not covered by Medicaid as well as capital improvements and maintenance to the aging campus.

For taxpayers, the $790,000 request would amount to a $0.264 per thousand of equalized valuation or $26.40 based on $100,000 equalized property value. That would replace the current levy of $0.31 per thousand of equalized valuation approved in 2014.

Pleasant View is one of 32 county homes in Wisconsin. It is a skilled care facility licensed to provide care for up to 110 residents. That care is paid for by the Medicaid program, Medicare program, the Veterans Administration, insurance companies and individual payments. Everyone has a payor source.

So why the need for additional funding?

Patient care for approximately 65 percent of the residents is paid for by the Medicaid program. The average cost of care per day for a Medicaid resident is approximately $249. Medicaid pays $175 per day, resulting in a $74 per day deficit per patient.

Approximately 12 percent of the residents are covered by the Medicare program and 18 percent are private pay. Both pay at or slightly above the cost of daily care, allowing for a small profit. That profit, however, does not offset the deficit by the 65 percent receiving Medicaid coverage.

Pleasant View continues to work toward financial sustainability. The Short Term Rehab program, which works closely with the Veterans Administration, is growing and has been exploring services and programs to lessen future tax subsidies. But more operating revenue is needed now.

Occupancy rates are near 93 percent. Eighty percent of those admitted are from Green County. Of the approximately 250 people admitted each year, many are short-term patients admitted for rehabilitation following a hospital stay.

Green County needs Pleasant View. We urge a “yes” vote on Nov. 6.