Dementia researchers identify therapies to improve eating habits, reduce depression
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 01, 2013
A particular type of memory training combined with a Montessori-based approach to daily living can decrease depression in dementia patients by improving their eating habits, according to a recent study.
Sequester would cost SNFs more than $782 million, hit Florida especially hard, report asserts
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 28, 2013
Skilled nursing facilities in highly populated states on the East Coast and in the Midwest would be hit hardest by Medicare cuts if sequestration takes effect, according to figures released by the Alliance...
One week to go: Providers anxious about Medicare automatic spending cuts
Feb 22, 2013
All eyes will be on Congress when it reconvenes Monday. Lawmakers will have just four days to act if they are to derail automatic spending cuts that would take 2% off the top of Medicare reimbursements....
Deficit-reduction plan to gain $600 billion from lower provider payments and higher beneficiary premiums
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 21, 2013
The co-chairs of President Barack Obama’s deficit reduction commission are promoting a way to achieve $600 billion in healthcare “savings” in a new version of their deficit reduction...
Chances of sequester deal look slim after Senate Democrats unveil proposal
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 19, 2013
A Democratic proposal to replace the sweeping automatic spending cuts known as the sequester appears unlikely to pass the Senate, leading lawmakers and political observers to predict the $85 billion in...
Obama attacks sequestration, Medicare payments in State of the Union address
By
John O'Connor
Feb 13, 2013
In a State of the Union address largely focused on jobs and the economy, President Obama challenged a divided Congress to avoid automatic funding cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, raise the minimum wage and...
Senate Democrats poised to introduce package to replace sequester cuts
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 13, 2013
Democrats in the Senate could introduce a bill this week to replace the automatic spending cuts known as the sequester, which is scheduled to take effect March 1. Many long-term care stakeholders have...
Obama recommits to preserving Medicare in coming sequester battle
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 11, 2013
President Barack Obama reaffirmed his vow to protect Medicare in the fight over sequestration spending cuts last week.
RAC audits: Skilled nursing facilities accounted for miniscule portion of 2011 Medicare overpayments
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 07, 2013
Skilled nursing facilities accounted for only about $200,000 of $797 million in collected Medicare overpayments in 2011 identified by Recovery Audit Contractors, according to an annual audit report released...
Upon further review
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 02, 2013
Instead of spending more time doing hands-on patient care, therapists who work with Medicare beneficiaries have been strapped with increased administrative tasks, sometimes leading to delayed services,...