Illinois governor proposes aggressive changes to nursing home admissions, care
Jan 15, 2010
In response to articles published by the Chicago Tribune exposing problems in Illinois nursing homes, Gov. Pat Quinn (D) Thursday proposed sweeping changes to the system.
OIG to release final report uncovering CMS’ inaccurate Medicare fraud reduction claims
Aug 26, 2008
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General is expected to file a final report this week criticizing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for overstating its...
Experts: Medicare should help pay for long-term care coverage
Jul 22, 2008
Adding a long-term care benefit to the Medicare program would be a favorable way to help address the impending challenges related to the aging baby-boom generation, healthcare experts say in a new Commonwealth...
Daschle gets official nod for HHS appointment
Dec 12, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama at a press conference Thursday formally announced former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as his pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Senate committee passes nursing home arbitration bill
Sep 15, 2008
The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008, a bill that would eliminate arbitration agreements as a requirement for admission into a nursing home, is one step closer to becoming a law.
Senate expected to vote on economic stimulus package today
Feb 10, 2009
Senate leaders have scheduled a vote on the economic stimulus package today. It follows weeks of hard-fought negotiations and compromises between the parties.
Sweeping legislation attacks long-term care workforce shortage
Dec 11, 2008
An extensive new bill introduced Wednesday by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Aging, addresses the workforce crisis. It would provide funding and expand training in geriatrics...
Urge Congress to pass stimulus package, former senator tells policy experts
Nov 03, 2008
Former Sen. Bob Kerrey told a panel of state and federal long-term care policy experts to push Congress to pass a stimulus package before the new Congress convenes.
State income tax collections lower than expected, worsening budget problems
May 18, 2010
It’s been one month since the income tax deadline and many states are discovering that collections are much lower than expected. This could have a disastrous effect on state budgets, according to...
New, tougher regulations for Illinois nursing homes pass the state House, but funding remains an issue
May 10, 2010
Nursing homes in Illinois are facing new higher standards after a unanimous vote in the state’s House—118-0—to pass a major overhaul of the long-term care system. A similar vote is expected in...