House adopts CLASS Act; ‘red flags’ rule bill stalls in Senate committee
Oct 30, 2009
The House of Representatives has decided to include the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, a voluntary long-term care insurance program, in its healthcare reform bill.
House bill resurrects end-of-life care planning measure
By
Liza Berger
Oct 30, 2009
You’ve got to admit that our federal congressmen have some moxie. This week they unveiled their long-awaited healthcare reform bill. Included in it not only is the touchy public option, but also...
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...
House passes bill repealing one-year delay to RUG-IV system
Jul 15, 2010
Nursing home providers Wednesday commended the House for passing a bill that would eliminate the one-year delay to the RUG-IV case-mix classification system.
Extension of therapy caps exceptions process hinges on healthcare reform passage
By
Liza Berger
Jan 08, 2010
Whether or not you are a fan of healthcare reform, here’s one reason Congress should pass it: It would extend the therapy caps exceptions process.
Congressional report explains FMAP proposals
Feb 12, 2010
Amid calls to extend the temporary federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) increase, the Congressional Research Service has released a report examining the various proposals that would affect the...
CNAs urge Congress to reconsider Medicare cuts
Sep 21, 2009
Members of a national association of nursing home certified nurse aides called on Congress last week to reconsider cutting billions of dollars in Medicare payments to nursing homes.
President Obama signs major healthcare reform bill into law
Mar 24, 2010
President Obama with much fanfare but still without Republican support signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law on Tuesday.
Kennedy continues father’s commitment to long-term care
By
Liza Berger
Nov 19, 2009
It was heartening this week to see Edward M. Kennedy Jr., son of the late senator, encouraging long-term care providers to push for reform. It would have made his dad proud.
Senate set to begin debate this week on healthcare reform bill
Nov 30, 2009
Fresh from its Thanksgiving break, the Senate is scheduled to pick up its debate over healthcare reform on Tuesday. Some provisions affecting senior care providers are similar to those in the House bill...