Expanded leverage for CMS could bolster healthcare reform, Senate told
Apr 24, 2009
The government could use Medicare to test new cost-saving, quality improving healthcare reform efforts, but it would have to give the program more leverage and flexibility, panelists testified at a recent...
States using Medicaid stimulus funding to fill budget gaps, report finds
Apr 16, 2009
A draft report released from a House committee minority Wednesday finds that eight states likely are diverting Medicaid stimulus funding away from healthcare providers, such as nursing homes. Instead,...
ONE DAY TO GO: Medicare, Medicaid face drastic cuts under new administration, McKnight’s Online...
Mar 24, 2009
Under President Obama’s budget plan, Medicare and Medicaid spending would be slashed by up to $295 billion over the next 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated.
Study debunks long-term care Medicaid ‘myth,’ researchers say
Mar 10, 2009
More individuals are willing to pay privately for long-term care services than previously thought, authors of a new study assert. The result offers both more hope for nursing home providers and a realization...
CMS: No changes imminent to staffing formula for Five-Star rating
Mar 10, 2009
Federal health officials with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services say they are considering tweaking their new Five-Star nursing home ranking system, but altering the way staffing is graded will...
Long-term care reform hearing focuses on dual eligibles, home-based services
Mar 05, 2009
Public and private sector officials convened Wednesday to discuss the important role long-term care reform could play in a grander, overall healthcare reform scheme.
Sebelius gets HHS nod, DeParle tabbed to become health czar
Mar 03, 2009
President Obama officially nominated Kathleen Sebelius, the democratic governor of Kansas, for the job of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on Monday. Sebelius had been considered...
Funding issues hit the spotlight as nursing home advocates gear up for Aging Committee hearing
Mar 03, 2009
The Senate Special Committee on Aging will convene tomorrow to discuss the inclusion of improvements to long-term care as part of overarching national healthcare reform.
McKnight’s Online Expo to offer continuing education credits
Feb 24, 2009
The American Health Care Association and the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care Monday reiterated the importance of reforming the long-term care payment system. McKnight’s’ readers can...
Healthcare reformers seek to expand Medicaid, but coverage mandates could hinder the process
Jan 21, 2009
With Barack Obama officially sworn in as president, many in Washington are wondering whether 2009 will be a year of significant reform. There are still numerous barriers that must be removed before moving...