It’s easy to forget how quickly things have improved for LTC
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2013
This publication and this sector were facing some very troubled times in 1990. That’s when I joined McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. The experts have a technical term for where the field and...
Ongoing budget battles reveal a deeper problem
By
John O'Connor
Sep 27, 2013
Many long-term care providers seem to be experiencing a case of budget battle fatigue right about now. Yes, it was earlier this year that a fiscal cliff compromise was reached. And now two more budget-related...
7 New Year’s resolutions every long-term care operator should consider
By
John O'Connor
Dec 22, 2014
Come next week, you’ll be getting lots of advice on how to make good resolutions for 2015. In the spirit of beating the herd, here’s my shameless list.
Do you really want to know when you’ll get Alzheimer’s?
By
John O'Connor
Mar 14, 2014
Sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss. Or at least, it’s better than what’s waiting around the corner. Soon, researchers say, we might be able to learn if we’re going to get Alzheimer’s...
Days of whine and roses
By
John O'Connor
Jan 16, 2012
We’ve heard much lately about the so-called 99 Percenters. Many in this crowd have made the startling discovery that the nation’s wealthiest people seem to have more money and options.
The boss at CMS has some nice things to say about regulations
By
John O'Connor
Jan 22, 2018
It appears there may be some good news ahead, courtesy of the boss at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Sleeper measures could cut Medicare payments to skilled care operators
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2014
As far as skilled care is concerned, most recent reporting on a major Medicare bill has all but overlooked what’s in the bill for the sector. And it’s not trivial.
MedPAC’s message to nursing homes: No soup for you!
By
John O'Connor
Jan 23, 2017
Whenever MedPAC releases payment recommendations affecting skilled care, I’m reminded of the Soup Nazi.
Providers likely to gain from immigration policy changes
By
John O'Connor
Nov 14, 2014
President Obama will be unveiling a multi-pronged plan to overhaul the nation’s immigration policy, possibly later today. Its most controversial component — a reprieve for the millions who face...
Doubling down on a Supreme Court thumping
By
John O'Connor
Apr 06, 2012
When I recently predicted the new healthcare law’s repeal, plenty of people disagreed. One of these unfortunates is Elizabeth Newman, a colleague and confidant here at McKnight’s, who has one...