Senators weigh need for individual mandate in long-term care financing reform
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 19, 2013
Senators and a panel of experts wrangled over whether effective long-term care reform hinges on a federal mandate for all individuals to buy some type of LTC insurance, at a Special Committee on Aging...
First-ever CDC report: Nursing homes provide most long-term care nationwide, alternative settings gain...
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 13, 2013
Nursing homes still account for the vast majority of long-term care services available in the United States despite policies meant to encourage home- and community-based care, according to a new government...
MedPAC renews call for long-term care payment cuts, draws fire from providers
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 13, 2013
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended a 4% reduction in skilled nursing facility payments in 2016, prompting an outcry from providers.
House and Senate ACA-replacement bills propose universal long-term care coverage
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 11, 2013
Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have introduced a bill to institute a single-payer healthcare system that would include universal long-term care coverage.
10,000 lakes and one less nursing home: Spotlight on a facility closure
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 10, 2013
Minnesota appears to be on the ball when it comes to long-term care. It regularly rates at or near the top when states are ranked on LTC services. Yet, Minnesota also is on the leading edge of a more troublesome...
CMS announces declining readmission rate for Medicare patients, credits Affordable Care Act
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 09, 2013
Improved transitions between acute and post-acute settings are partly responsible for continuing nationwide declines in hospital readmission rates, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Huge number of therapy claims stuck in manual review limbo for months, NASL study finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 09, 2013
A much-criticized system of reviewing certain Medicare therapy claims is still beset by problems, with about a third of this year’s claims awaiting processing, according to a recently released survey...
Day in the Life: Dancing with a star
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 01, 2013
Miller’s Merry Manor has a name that is fitting for the holiday season. But the 62-bed facility in New Carlisle, IN, seeks a merry atmosphere throughout the year. Its dance activities, and one special...
Ruling affirms OBRA limits
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 01, 2013
A federal court recently ruled in favor of a Pennsylvania long-term care facility, upholding an argument that individuals cannot bring lawsuits under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act.
Croon a tune to fight dementia
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 01, 2013
Show-tune sing-alongs are an effective form of dementia care, new research suggests.