BUTLER TWP — Although previous federal cuts have increased the 2012 deficit for the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the 2013 picture appears a little brighter.

Dr. William DiCuccio, Sunnyview medical director, said at the board meeting Thursday federal Medicare allotted a 1.8 percent increase to funding for next year.

DiCuccio said that number is a significant swing up from the 11 percent cut for 2012.

“It’s a ray of hope,” he said.

DiCuccio said the 11 percent cut hurt Sunnyview.

“It’s had quite an adverse effect on our finances,” he said.

The six-month deficit for the nursing home from January through June was $497,806, nearly twice as high as the budgeted $273,843 loss.

“We’re still dealing with that 11 percent cut,” DiCuccio said.

Bill Kepple, Sunnyview fiscal director, said a lower number of Medicare residents also contributed to the higher deficit.

“We anticipated having more,” he said.

Sunnyview receives $194 a day per state Medical Assistance resident as opposed to more than $400 for Medicare residents.

Although the state didn’t reduce funding for 2013, there was no increase to match the rising cost to do business.

“You still got a zero percent increase,” Kepple said.

Sue Murray, Sunnyview administrator, said costs are continually reviewed in the face of prior funding cuts.

“We’re still monitoring expenses,” she said.

Kepple said Sunnyview departments such as dietary are filing ways to cut costs.