Morris View Healthcare Center Funding Gets Closer Look

After approving the $311 million Morris County budget Wednesday night, some of the freeholders' concerns with next year’s budget included the uncertainty of Medicaid funding for the Morris View Healthcare Center; potential increases in health insurance and pension costs; and interest arbitrator rulings unfavorable to the taxpayer.

As one of the steps to address this issue, the Morris County Freeholders passed a resolution Wednesday night that created the Morris View Advisory Committee to look at ways the county can continue to reduce the tax effort needed to fund the Morris View Healthcare Center.

“I’m pleased that the freeholders board has created the Morris View Advisory committee whose purpose is to provide information, guidance and (strategic) planning recommendations to this board as we face theses challenges,” said Freeholder David Scapicchio, the freeholder board’s deputy director.

Morris View is a county-run facility that provides long-term care, including 24 hour skilled nursing, to more than 250 patients. It is part of the Morris County Aging, Disabilities and Veterans' Services Department. Services include therapeutic programs, hospice care and a dementia unit.  

Scapicchio said while the county has been successful in recent years cutting expenses and increasing revenue to Morris View, there are still challenges that remain, according to the county’s release.

“We have saved money by outsourcing housekeeping, laundry, dietary and other services at Morris View, and we’ve also been able to increase revenue with the addition of a Sub Acute Unit,” Scapicchio said. “But, we still must find a way to deal with the issues that remain, including continued reductions in Medicaid funding.”

The Morris View Advisory Committee will bring together experts and family members to discuss plans to address critical issues and to develop a plan to market Morris View to those in the community needing the services the facility offers.

The advisory committee will include:

• Two freeholders: Scapicchio; Freeholder Hank Lyon, the freeholder liaison to the county’s Department of Human Services
• Two family members of Morris View residents
• A community-based volunteer
• County staff
• Representatives from Premier Healthcare Resources, the company that manages Morris View.

“It will also assist in working with the New Jersey Association of Counties, nursing home groups as well as … those in the community who need care,” he said. “I’d like to thank the board and I look forward to serving on this advisory committee.”

Recommendations for appointments to the committee will be made at the next meeting on April 10.