Depression leaves permanent, higher stroke risk: Study
By
John Hall
May 20, 2015
Depression can cause irreversible damage leading to stroke even after depressive symptoms have subsided, according to new research.
Unexpected surges in Medicaid begin to worry some states
By
John Hall
May 19, 2015
Conservative governors who shunned Medicaid expansion in their states are feeling vindicated in light of unexpectedly huge surges in Medicaid enrollment in neighboring states.
PharMerica settles whistleblower complaint for $31.5 million
By
John Hall
May 19, 2015
National pharmacy services provider PharMerica said it has entered into separate agreements with the government and revised its controlled substances dispensing policies following a whistleblower lawsuit...
Sleep deprived, overweight shift workers at higher risk for diabetes: Study
By
John Hall
May 19, 2015
New university-based research claims employees such as nursing home caregivers, factory and shipping workers who work outside normal 9 a.m.-5 p.m. schedules could be suffering a disproportionate share...
Court honors unsigned arbitration agreement
By
John Hall
May 18, 2015
Pennsylvania nursing home resident who sued for neglect was recently ordered by a federal judge to submit to binding arbitration instead, even though the document authorizing it was not signed by a facility...
GAO: Medicaid demonstration project costs not justified
By
John Hall
May 18, 2015
A new report to Congress says more justification is needed for the $146 billion being spent on demonstration projects, most of which have not been clearly shown to further the objectives of the Medicaid...
Nursing homes blamed for high opt-out rates in dual eligible demo
By
John Hall
May 18, 2015
Huge numbers of dual-eligible beneficiaries are leaving a demonstration project that hopes to improve payments for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Lawmakers recommend $10M advisory panel to improve health data interoperability
By
John Hall
May 15, 2015
Lawmakers have proposed changes that would significantly alter the way sensitive health data is prepared, managed and exchanged.
Pharmacy group wants SNF and AL beneficiaries exempted from Part D ‘lock-in’ provision
By
John Hall
May 15, 2015
The head of a new long-term care pharmacy advocacy group urged Congress on Thursday to exempt Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes and assisted living facilities from a plan that would require them...
Report leads to question whether CMS has raised the quality bar too high
By
John Hall
May 15, 2015
More than one-third of the nation’s 15,500-plus nursing homes now bear the stigma of poor quality as a result of a tough new star ratings system implemented in February by the Centers for Medicare...