As Medicaid disenrollments surge, concerns about nursing home residents persist
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Jun 05, 2023
Although hundreds of thousands have been knocked off state Medicaid rolls this spring, worries about dropped coverage for Medicaid-dependent nursing home residents have so far not proven reality in large...
CMS tightens guidance for nursing home dialysis providers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 23, 2023
Federal officials on Wednesday updated guidance meant to improve the delivery of nursing home dialysis, a service many providers have been adding to attract new residents and improve quality of life for...
‘Death spiral’ for SNFs as Medicare Advantage pay decreases
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 06, 2022
Pressure to accept low-ball contracts with Medicare Advantage plans that continue to reduce reimbursement is driving some skilled nursing providers into “a death spiral,” a major aging services association...
Not so fast: 10 states suing CMS over healthcare worker vax mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 12, 2021
Despite many legal analysts’ view that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ healthcare worker vaccination mandate will clear legal muster, a group of 10 states have filed suit to stop it.
New state staffing ratios unearth ‘grave’ concerns about vacant jobs, empty beds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 24, 2023
Despite increased state funding that has allowed nursing homes to provide raises for existing staff and increase starting salaries, the number of Pennsylvania providers limiting census due to staffing...
Timing narrows on White House-led staffing rule; funding remains in question
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 10, 2023
A White House budget released Thursday proposes no new ways to recruit or pay for more nursing home workers, even as federal officials are expected to unveil a minimum staffing standard in coming weeks.
While regulators are working furiously to push through a comprehensive nursing home reform agenda backed by the Biden administration, providers remain concerned about an earlier change whose impact is...
Local vaccine mandates adding punishing pressure
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 14, 2021
Philadelphia is among several cities and states to adopt their own mandates ahead of federal rule for healthcare workers that is expected later this month. Fast-approaching deadlines may trigger an avalanche...
Experts urge providers: Start planning now to ensure extra shots of COVID-19 vaccines
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 21, 2021
Early this month, AMFM Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers celebrated the completion of second-round COVID-19 vaccinations at all 19 of its buildings — before many had even offered a first round and nearly...
Providers demand piece of COVID-19 stimulus pie; ‘We’re in a recession,’ economist declares
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 20, 2020
The leader of the nation’s largest nursing home association is calling out federal lawmakers to give long-term care providers a significant portion of coronavirus relief funding. The demand came even...