As nursing homes and other facilities continue to grapple with higher-than-usual numbers of flu cases this season, federal lawmakers on Tuesday will convene to learn how effective the public health response...
Advocates resist call for Five Star ratings change for dual-eligibles
By
John Hall
Apr 02, 2015
A major beneficiary advocate is pushing back on a new study recommending Medicare Advantage rates be adjusted for dual-eligible patients because so many tend to have poorer outcomes than others.
Struggling Iowa chain inches closer to sale with pending CMS debt resolution
By
John Hall
Aug 26, 2022
A once-thriving chain of Iowa nursing homes now knee-deep in bankruptcy is getting closer to a settlement with the federal government over millions in unpaid fines, which would allow a sale of the troubled...
How to do it … HUD LEAN mortgages
By
John Hall
May 04, 2016
It’s hard to beat the HUD LEAN mortgage program for heavily leveraged owner-operators looking for the predictability of long-term loans at fixed rates. Here are a few pointers from experts on how...
HIPAA audits to resume soon
By
John Hall
Apr 29, 2015
Long-term care providers should get ready for the second round of HIPAA compliance audits this year, but the agency in charge of them is keeping mum about the exact date.
Groups tout payment plans; Pallone promises legislation
By
John Hall
Apr 04, 2016
Several organizations have weighed in on how to finance long-term care services and supports for more than 12 million Americans, leading a Congressional committee to push toward a possible legislative...
Mental health would have coverage parity with medical care under federal proposal
By
John Hall
Apr 08, 2015
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a proposed rule that would require Medicaid managed care patients to receive the same level of coverage for mental health and addiction treatment...
Another state considers terminally ill access to experimental drugs
By
John Hall
Mar 10, 2015
Despite opposition from some drug makers and provider groups, Illinois lawmakers are considering several bills that would allow terminal patients to try unapproved experimental drugs to extend their lives.
How to do it … Resident safety
By
John Hall
Aug 05, 2015
Technological innovation is allowing needy seniors to be monitored while allowing greater mobility than ever before. Experts here make recommendations that can help providers strike a careful balance between...
White House defends MedPAC ‘replacement’ panel in Supreme Court brief
By
John Hall
Feb 26, 2015
The federal government this week argued to the Supreme Court that a lower court was correct when it dismissed challenges to a payment review provision in the Affordable Care Act. Long-term care providers...