House passes spending cut bill containing Medicare spending cuts
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
The House on Thursday passed spending cut legislation that included a 2% cut in Medicare spending.
Final rule reduces regulatory burden for long-term care facilities
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
A new rule eases the regulatory burden on providers serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and has the potential to save the healthcare system $100 million in the first year.
Some Medicaid doctors to receive reimbursement rates that equal Medicare’s
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2012
Physicians providing primary care services to Medicaid beneficiaries will see a federal payment increase to bring Medicaid payments in line with those of Medicare payments, government officials announced...
Technology helps anti-fraud efforts, but some say it’s still not enough
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 26, 2012
Federal officials testified Tuesday at a Senate hearing that they have made significant strides in cracking down on healthcare fraud and abuse, though at least one prominent Republican said that not enough...
Capturing acuity: How MDS accuracy has a critical impact on Medicare/Medicaid payment systems
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 20, 2012
There’s a familiar saying in the industry that “If it’s not documented, then it’s not done.” But what if it is documented, but just not documented correctly?
Care coordination efforts for seniors hinge on Supreme Court Affordable Care Act decision
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 18, 2012
If the Supreme Court deems the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, the jobs of hundreds of federal workers hired to implement policies that affect nursing homes will be at stake, new reports suggest.
Low-quality Medicare Advantage plans should expect scrutiny, CMS says
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 13, 2012
Medicare Advantage plans with fewer than five stars on the quality scale should expect some form of audit, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid official said this week.
Consumer group cries foul over GOP’s 2013 budget
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 11, 2012
The fiscal 2013 budget, which was passed in the House, would cause seniors’ healthcare costs to surge and wreak havoc on Medicare and Medicaid, two new reports suggest.
Nursing homes throwing money around
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 11, 2012
Even in generosity, it seems, nursing homes can’t catch a break. The headlines imply as much.
New Medicaid regulations give states flexibility with home and community based services
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 10, 2012
State Medicaid programs have been granted additional flexibility in providing home- and community-based services to elderly and disabled individuals, according to new regulations.