Proposed legislation from the House of Representatives would decrease skilled nursing facilities’ Medicare rate updates, introduce new post-acute payment systems and institute readmissions penalties...
CMS-funded program to reduce hospitalizations shows promise after year one, researchers say
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 09, 2015
A federally funded project to reduce avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home residents got off to a strong start in its first year, according to recently published findings.
Moderate alcohol consumption staves off dementia in seniors
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 27, 2014
Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol might preserve cognition in people over the age of 60, according to recently published findings in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.
Support for Medicare-style, government long-term care insurance program surges, large AP-University of...
By
Tim Mullaney
May 20, 2014
The idea of a government-run long-term care insurance program similar to Medicare has become much more popular in the last year, according to the findings of a large nationwide survey. Independent research...
Providers could be slapped with monetary penalties for slow response to document requests under OIG proposal
By
Tim Mullaney
May 13, 2014
Long-term care providers are facing an expanded list of infractions that could trigger civil monetary penalties, including slow response to document requests. The proposed regulation from the Department...
CMS proposes more rigorous emergency preparedness rules for long-term care facilities
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 03, 2014
Long-term care facilities would have to meet more comprehensive emergency preparedness guidelines, under a newly proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently finalized 2014 Medicare rate updates for hospices and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and also laid out quality metrics. Hospices will receive...
Aging in style: Film focuses on senior fashion, senior care
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 02, 2014
The new documentary “Advanced Style” provides inspiring examples of vibrant aging, sharing the stories of older women — some nearing 100 — who continue to push the boundaries of fashion....
Are assisted dying facilities about to go mainstream?
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 15, 2014
It’s no secret that aging Americans increasingly are attracted to assisted living, but recent developments in this country and others suggest they also have a growing interest in assisted dying....
Federal judge blocks new RAC contracts
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 04, 2014
Adding to the ongoing controversy around Medicare’s Recovery Audit Contractor program, a judge has ruled that the government cannot award new RAC contracts until disputed payment terms are resolved.