Democrats include long-term care reform in policy platform
Aug 21, 2008
The Democratic Party has included long-term care reform as a plank in its policy platform.
Experts: Preventing re-hospitalizations key to Medicare solvency
Aug 18, 2008
Medicare could save up to $12 billion per year if it would reduce the number of Medicare patients readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of a previous stay. Those savings, in turn, could help fund physician...
Nursing-home study: Inspection system ‘broken and can’t be fixed’
Aug 13, 2008
A leading nursing-home association is calling for an independent panel to come up with new methods for overseeing nursing facilities. The association’s task force issued 31 recommendations Tuesday,...
Brookings briefing addresses long-term care survey process, job training
Jul 15, 2008
Redesigning the regulatory survey of nursing homes would help determine how far current resources can be stretched to improve quality, according to a panelist who participated in a long-term care reform...
MedPAC recommends reforming Medicare payment system for skilled nursing facilities
Jun 16, 2008
The Medicare advisory arm of Congress has issued recommendations for reforming the Medicare payment system, including the payment system for skilled nursing facilities.
Debate to continue for Baucus’ physician payment cut bill
Jun 13, 2008
The Senate yesterday rejected a motion that would have brought a bill stopping a pending 10.6% physician Medicare physician payment cut up for an immediate vote.
CMS issues final rule on hospice care
May 30, 2008
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released its final rule concerning hospice care, despite a recent notice saying it would delay issuing such a rule until 2009.
Nursing homes want more from McCain long-term care reform plan
May 14, 2008
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain must create a broader reform plan that includes “increased comprehensive coverage for America’s long-term and post-acute care systems,”...
Lawmakers tack on Medicaid moratorium bill to major spending measure
May 08, 2008
House Democrats this week attached a high-profile Medicaid moratorium bill to war-funding legislation in an attempt to ensure the bill’s passage.
Fix Medicare now, secretary tells lawmakers
May 01, 2008
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt called lawmakers to action on Tuesday during a speech on the need for Medicare reform.