Editor’s Desk: A burning issue deserves better answer – and soon
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 13, 2006
There is a scene in the George C. Scott movie “Patton,” where the title character is trying to impress upon foreign colleagues that enemy forces are a little too close for safety’s sake....
CMS delays short-cycle dispensing rule
By
James M. Berklan
May 02, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is delaying the implementation of its controversial short-cycle dispensing rule. The one-year postponement pushes the implementation date to Jan. 1, 2013.
Medicare Advantage pay to jump as enrollment grows
By
James M. Berklan
May 08, 2018
Medicare Advantage plans will receive a 3.4% uptick in federal payments in 2019. That’s nearly 90% more than the 1.84% increase proposed in February. Notice of the bigger raise came in the Centers...
Does Genworth’s news mean it’s time to flee?
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 01, 2014
There is a memorable scene in the movie “Forrest Gump” when Lt. Dan chews out the well-intentioned title soldier for saluting him while the enemy is likely watching. The implication is that...
Editor’s Desk: More ‘optional’ guidance: If they ask, you’ll provide
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 01, 2009
If there were ever any doubts that the “culture change” we’ve all heard so much about in recent years was really going to take hold, it’s time to put them to rest.
Porter: Election controversy or not, all efforts now go to lame duck stimulus package
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 09, 2020
Long-term care providers and their lobbyists are “completely and totally” focused on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the presidential election results, a top association leader...
First hepatitis C lawsuit filed over North Dakota outbreak
By
James M. Berklan
May 01, 2014
The first of what could be numerous legal complaints against HCRManorCare has been filed in relation to a hepatitis outbreak in North Dakota last year.
Something to hand all residents’ families
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 01, 2013
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a family that just didn’t “get it” when dealing with the staff at your nursing home or long-term care facility. OK, put your hand down now. It’s...
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: Larry Minnix’s 12 secrets to successful aging
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 29, 2018
Retired LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix has published his first book, an inspirational self-help volume for people of all walks of life, “Hallowed Ground: Stories of Successful Aging.” Reprinted...
Socialized medicine — the way to save lives
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 05, 2017
Chalk up another one for that famously disruptive New Yorker who crisscrossed the nation the last two years, speaking to big crowds, imploring change. His words are proving prophetic again.