Large-scale bundling of government reimbursements is needed, say researchers who have studied the topic. Post-acute care was the fastest growing major healthcare spending category for government programs...
Feds limit Medicaid picks
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 02, 2013
While the administration has been flexible about numerous aspects of Medicaid expansion called for in the healthcare reform law, there is at least one thing that is not negotiable: States will not get...
Patient CARE Act is probed
By
John Andrews
Jun 05, 2015
Because it does not allow for states’ consent, the proposed Medicaid Patient CARE Act block-grant program likely will be considered unconstitutional, say two public policy authorities.
Poll: IPAB best of options
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 02, 2011
In contrast to providers’ preference, more Americans want an independent payment board to make decisions about Medicare spending, rather than leaving the current system as is.
RAC battles move forward
By
Amy Novotney
Apr 06, 2015
The debate over whether Recovery Audit Contractor audits are an incentive-laced system of provider harassment or a necessary tool to redistribute misspent Medicare funds continues. Neither side appears...
Rise in improper payments
By
John Hall
Jan 04, 2016
Improper payment levels continue dogging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which announced they rose significantly last year for both health programs. Additionally, the agency reported that...
Budget offers pay concerns
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 08, 2018
Even though a new, unified payment system has been discussed for several years, the mere mention of it in President Trump’s budget proposal jolted observers in February. The budget specifically said...
Managed care: Fear awaits
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2015
The White House Office of Management and Budget review has passed an ambitious new policy that could radically overhaul the Medicaid managed care system.
Providers challenge proposal that adjusts payments, care
By
John Andrews
Jun 05, 2015
Providers in the post-acute care sector seem to be united in wanting BACPAC to take a hike.
CMS to toughen website
By
James M. Berklan
May 02, 2011
Federal regulators are undertaking major changes to the Nursing Home Compare website and will continue to do so for five more months, officials said.