What’s happening in the Senate is no thing of beauty
By
John O'Connor
Jul 17, 2017
When it comes to the Senate’s latest healthcare bill, providers have unloaded many valid criticisms of it. Sadly, they may be irrelevant. It’s easy to get so caught up in this legislation’s...
Don’t like the new ratings system? Welcome to our world
By
John O'Connor
Jun 19, 2017
The content in the angry letter sounded all-too familiar. “Flawed methodology” and “substantive errors” in CMS’s “chosen methodology.” Another nursing home organization...
Of arbitration victories and payback
By
John O'Connor
Jun 12, 2017
In a year already chock full of regulatory victories, last week’s development about arbitration clauses might turn out to be the best of the bunch. But …
Involuntary discharges could lead to a fine mess
By
John O'Connor
Jun 05, 2017
Operators might want to keep an eye on new involuntary discharge legislation under consideration in Illinois.
Why the Obamacare repeal is being held up — at least for now
By
John O'Connor
May 22, 2017
There was a celebration at the White House earlier this month after the House narrowly voted to replace the nation’s health law. More than two weeks later, the House has still not advanced the American...
Finally, some good occupancy news
By
John O'Connor
Apr 17, 2017
You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief when NIC released its first-quarter tally on skilled nursing occupancy levels. To be sure, the 87.2% rate is not exactly a cause for celebration. Then...
A farewell to Medicaid?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 05, 2017
If there is one sector that proves the adage about incentives driving behavior, it’s skilled care.
For long-term care operators, there’s no time for a pity party
By
John O'Connor
Mar 27, 2017
Skilled care operators have their work cut out for themselves. But I have to say I’m feeling better about the sector’s prospects after spending some time at last week’s NIC Spring Investment...
Don’t be worried about Medicaid funding cuts — be very afraid
By
John O'Connor
Mar 13, 2017
The long-term care industry’s worst fears about what a Trump healthcare plan might contain have not just been met after last week’s unveiling, they have been far exceeded.
Snobbery that skilled care operators can ill afford
By
John O'Connor
Mar 06, 2017
Quite a few skilled care operators tend to look at assisted living as being not quite equal. Many on the skilled side tend to see themselves as being a bit, ahem, more qualified.