‘Never event’ Medicare reimbursement rules now in effect
Oct 02, 2008
As of this month, Medicare no longer is reimbursing healthcare facilities for “reasonably preventable” medical errors. Also, hospitals are not allowed to charge patients directly for medical...
Fearful of losing even more funding, providers to pressure lawmakers on healthcare reform
Aug 14, 2009
Although it wasn’t unexpected, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ official announcement that it will be cutting $1 billion from nursing home Medicare payments starting Oct. 1 was...
What will it cost you to stay in the post-acute care game?
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 22, 2015
More than just collecting data, providers need to use standardized, nationally recognized measures. Especially in this era of ACOs and alternative payment models. In the past, many individual providers...
Medicare ‘productivity adjustment’ cuts are not likely to last, panelists say
Aug 10, 2010
Medicare cuts in the form of “productivity adjustments” may not be sustained beyond 10 years and may need to be reversed, a panel of healthcare experts said recently.
Newly appointed Orszag expected to play healthcare reform role
Dec 01, 2008
The recent appointment of Peter Orszag to director of the White House Office of Management and Budget indicates that the Obama administration is serious about controlling the rising costs of healthcare,...
Not so fast: Some Republicans reluctant to pursue Medicare cuts in 2018
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 13, 2017
Some Senate Republicans are skeptical about cutting spending on social programs — Medicare included — in the months leading up to the 2018 elections.
CBO: market-basket freeze for skilled nursing could add up to billions in savings
Jul 10, 2009
The federal government can expect to save roughly $26 billion in Medicare costs over 10 years in part by freezing the market-basket update for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2010, according...
GOP budget that cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid over next decade may be smokescreen
By
Oct 06, 2017
The House passed a budget proposal on Thursday that would slash roughly $1 trillion from the Medicaid program over the course of 10 years. But representatives aren’t planning on seeing those cuts...
Medicare fund will be depleted by 2024, report finds
May 16, 2011
The annual Medicare Trustees report found that under current conditions, the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund will be exhausted by 2024, largely due to the bad economy. The same report, which was...
End-of-life care planning regulation to go into effect
Dec 30, 2010
Starting Jan. 1, Medicare will pay doctors who advise patients on options for end-of-life care. Under this new rule, doctors can offer information to patients on how to prepare an “advance directive,”...