CBO: market-basket freeze for skilled nursing could add up to billions in savings
Jul 10, 2009
The federal government can expect to save roughly $26 billion in Medicare costs over 10 years in part by freezing the market-basket update for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2010, according...
Long-term care reform tops agenda at AAHSA spring conference
Apr 21, 2009
The stakes have never been higher at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging’s annual spring conference and exhibition, the group’s leader told McKnight’s on Monday...
Computer problems delaying new MDS 3.0 timeline, regulators say
Apr 17, 2009
Providers worried about last week’s abrupt posting and withdrawal of a MDS 3.0 form timeline can rest easy, federal regulators assured Thursday during an Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long-Term Care...
Long-term care organizations praise CMS post-acute pilot project
Apr 15, 2009
Many in the long-term care community are supporting the Care Transitions Project, a government initiative to improve healthcare processes and minimize rehospitalizations.
Card-check alternatives gaining ground with lawmakers
Mar 31, 2009
Last week, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) announced that he might not support current union “card-check” legislation. Since then, a number of alternative labor reform plans have begun to gain popularity.
House to use controversial budget reconciliation process to pass healthcare reform
Mar 27, 2009
The House Budget Committee Wednesday agreed to use the budget reconciliation process as a way to pass significant healthcare reform legislation as part of the fiscal year 2010 budget.
Specter plans vote against card-check legislation, threatening bill’s passage
Mar 26, 2009
Nursing homes likely are cheering after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill. His veto could effectively end the...
Leaders applaud Finance Committee’s hearing on long-term care reform
Mar 26, 2009
Providers heaped praise on the Senate Finance Committee for its hearing Wednesday addressing the role of long-term care reform in general healthcare reform.
Senate Finance Committee to discuss inclusion of long-term care in healthcare reform today
Mar 25, 2009
The Senate Finance Committee is planning to meet today to hear arguments in support of including long-term care services and supports in an overarching healthcare reform strategy.
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.