CDC briefing: Top officials talk up vaccine plans, focus on long-term care
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 22, 2020
Federal health officials touted transparency and nationwide distribution plans while keeping their eye on Phase 1 vaccine recipients, including LTC residents and workers.
Feds still ‘optimistic’ limited supply of a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by year’s end
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 22, 2020
Federal officials are confident that a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready to distribute by the end of this year just days after announcing a major program that would provide the medication for long-term care...
Picture this: WV group shifts annual holiday fundraiser to brighten the lives of nursing home residents
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2020
The likelihood of photographer Al Tucker shooting pictures for the annual West Virginia Scenic Calendar was slim to none early in the year. The calendar serves as an annual holiday charity project for...
More pharmacies able to directly bill Medicare, receive pay for SNF coronavirus vaccinations
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 20, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will allow Medicare-enrolled immunizers to directly bill and receive direct reimbursements from the program for vaccinating Medicare residents in skilled nursing...
Opt-in COVID vaccine program kicks off; Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
Long-term care facilities nationwide can voluntarily opt in to a free pharmacy partnership program that will provide and administer future COVID-19 vaccines on site, federal officials announced Friday.
Emergency sick days may have helped flatten the U.S. COVID curve
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
States that gained access to emergency paid sick leave during the pandemic saw 400 fewer COVID-19 cases per day, a new study has found.
BREAKING: Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens to provide pending COVID-19 vaccinations to all senior care...
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 16, 2020
Residents and workers of all long-term care settings will receive free vaccinations against the coronavirus onsite under a special public-private partnership with pharmaceutical giants CVS and Walgreens,...
CMS will pay more to labs that process COVID-19 tests quicker starting Jan. 1
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 16, 2020
Laboratories that process coronavirus diagnostic tests within two calendar days will receive a higher Medicare reimbursement than those that take longer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced...
CDC gives new pathway for point-of-care reporting on NHSN site
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 16, 2020
A new pathway for reporting results from point-of-care coronavirus testing devices is now available for long-term care providers on the National Healthcare Safety Network.
Verma: CMS to ensure free COVID vaccine for seniors, Medicaid beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 16, 2020
The agency has a plan to expedite the new coverage and will provide more information before the end of October, Verma said. CMS is also working on appropriate Medicare fees for administration of potential...