On Oct. 31 (an ironic coincidence?) a report from the Office of inspector General frighteningly said Medicare paid some $23 million in benefits for more than 17,000 dead people in 2011. And my husband...
Preserving the status quo costs more than ever
By
John O'Connor
Nov 16, 2012
As $6 billion investments go, the 2012 presidential and Congressional races didn’t deliver much of a return. Except, of course, for people who like to spend money in order to keep things the way...
When it comes to paying for long-term care, public and private options can both fail
By
John O'Connor
Oct 07, 2013
What happened last week in Washington was not exactly highlight reel material. That is, unless you want to showcase public sector dysfunction.
It’s pretty clear what they’re really committed to
By
John O'Connor
Jul 17, 2015
It was quite a week for ironic juxtaposition in the nation’s capital.
Nipping improper Medicare payments in the bud
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 15, 2016
Does the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services need its own Barney Fife to set its house in order? Some seem to think so.
Action-packed 2010 awaits nursing homes
By
Liza Berger
Dec 31, 2009
Ah, the New Year. As much as many of us try to downplay it, the holiday carries an undeniable host of expectations. While I can’t pretend I know how to read tea leaves, my prediction is that the...
Deficit reduction and long-term care: Enjoy things while you can
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 03, 2011
If you thought the last few weeks of politicians’ stomach-turning brinksmanship over the national debt ceiling wasn’t fun — and who did? — you have no reason to look forward to the end...
When preparing for the future, don’t forget about LTC costs
By
Romeo Raabe
Jun 07, 2013
Many recent articles are warning about the future healthcare costs that retirees face, despite having Medicare for their primary health insurance. Medicare does leave 20% of many medical related costs...
VP nominee Ryan a saving grace?
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 15, 2012
Now that the Olympics are over, let politics take center stage again. Clearly, no one is interested in winning the silver medal when it comes to the race for U.S. president. But interest in second bananas...
Berwick’s remarks offer insight into his healthcare worldview
By
Liza Berger
Nov 19, 2010
Dr. Donald Berwick of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may not have said enough to satisfy some members of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, but he arguably presented some pretty defined...