After 14 years, SNF construction ban officially lifted
By
John Hall
Mar 10, 2015
In anticipation of a swelling elderly population and the possible boost to the state’s economy, Florida has ended a 14-year moratorium and approved permits to build 22 new skilled nursing facilities...
Another state considers terminally ill access to experimental drugs
By
John Hall
Mar 10, 2015
Despite opposition from some drug makers and provider groups, Illinois lawmakers are considering several bills that would allow terminal patients to try unapproved experimental drugs to extend their lives.
2014 senior housing prices hit record highs
By
John Hall
Mar 10, 2015
Average per-unit prices in the assisted living market soared 25% in 2014 in the midst of a record-setting favorable combination of vigorous investment activity, abundant capital and low interest rates,...
AHCA pitches ‘permanent’ therapy payment system
By
John Hall
Mar 06, 2015
Nursing homes’ biggest national ally and advocate is making the rounds on Capitol Hill this week in an effort to convince Congress to let die a lengthy experiment to withhold therapy claims while...
Brookdale encounters a new problem: separation anxiety
By
John Hall
Mar 05, 2015
Embattled Brookdale Senior Living is being asked by a major shareholder to spin off its real estate holdings and revamp its governance board.
Benefits of aneurysm screenings doubtful, say researchers
By
John Hall
Mar 05, 2015
British researchers warned this week that routine screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in over-65 males may be doing more harm than good.
Bill to repeal Medicare payment panel reintroduced in Congress
By
John Hall
Mar 05, 2015
Opposition to a proposed independent payment advisory board (IPAB) continued to swell this week following re-introduction of a bill in Congress to repeal a portion of the Affordable Care Act that houses...
Medicaid IT systems need quality check: GAO
By
John Hall
Mar 04, 2015
A new report to Congress casts significant doubts on the integrity and effectiveness of information systems many state Medicaid programs use to process claims, and CMS has agreed with it its recommendation...
Quality improving in nursing homes: CMS review
By
John Hall
Mar 04, 2015
The 2015 National Impact Assessment of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Quality Measures Report shows “clear progress in improving the healthcare delivery system to achieve the three...
NAACP: Medicaid expansion would negate lost subsidies in NC
By
John Hall
Mar 04, 2015
The NAACP is pushing hard for lawmakers to approve Medicaid expansion efforts in North Carolina to give half a million state residents an alternative should they lose private insurance subsidized by the...