Medicare coverage for bariatric surgeries left up to discretion of administrative contractors
Jun 29, 2012
Long-term care operators struggling to meet the needs of obese residents could get some help from Medicare.
Your Medicare future: Bigger pie, smaller slice
By
John O'Connor
Nov 12, 2018
I have seen the future of Medicare. Here’s what you can expect: Demand will grow the program; fiscal realities will shrink your share.
Hospitals with dedicated ERs for seniors look to improve care and prevent readmissions
Oct 27, 2010
Hospitals in Southeast Michigan have been rolling out new emergency rooms catering exclusively to older adults. Built partly in anticipation of a ballooning senior citizen population in coming years, these...
CBO chief says House reform plan too costly
Jul 17, 2009
Some say the House’s proposed healthcare reform legislation, which includes cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as a public health insurance plan, will prevent rising healthcare costs from bankrupting...
Medicare’s hospital readmission penalties kick in
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 01, 2012
On Monday, Medicare began fining nearly two-thirds of hospitals that have high numbers of patients who are readmitted within 30 days of discharge for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.
News analysis: Medicare deficit rose by $1.2 trillion last year
May 20, 2008
The federal government accrued $2.5 trillion in new financial obligations to entitlement programs last year, far surpassing the reported figures of $162 billion, according to a new analysis from USA Today.
Why the likely demise of LTC insurance isn’t all bad
By
John O'Connor
Jun 22, 2012
Two decades ago, private long-term care insurance was seen as a can’t-miss option for funding future nursing home costs. But like many of the people who purchased policies back then, the product...
‘Not a shock:’ MedPAC considering 5% pay cut for SNFs
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 14, 2021
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is leaning toward recommending a 5% pay cut for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal 2021 after a new report found that Medicare margins may indicate SNF pay rates...
New Medicare payment board to play role in lowering deficit, Orszag says
Apr 12, 2010
An Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) established under the healthcare reform act will help to ensure the nation’s future fiscal health, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag...
Bill would allow Medicare to pay for adult day care services
Jun 30, 2009
In a move that would further shift the focus of long-term care away from nursing homes and toward other home- and community-based services, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) Thursday introduced a bill that would...