MedPAC calls for payment reforms to come even earlier
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2017
Federal lawmakers’ advisory panel for Medicare made it official in its report to Congress in June: It recommends implementation of a unified post-acute payment system beginning in 2021 — three...
Prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease sparks health reform recommendations
Aug 25, 2008
The U.S. healthcare delivery system may not be equipped to handle the expected growth in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new report by Avalere Health.
Healthcare reform bill to delay implementation of RUG-IV until 2011
Mar 23, 2010
The RUG-IV classification system will not start until Oct. 1, 2011, under the new healthcare reform bill.
‘Never event’ Medicare reimbursement rules now in effect
Oct 02, 2008
As of this month, Medicare no longer is reimbursing healthcare facilities for “reasonably preventable” medical errors. Also, hospitals are not allowed to charge patients directly for medical...
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,...
CMS ramps up Medicare fraud, abuse prevention
Oct 07, 2008
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday announced new efforts to help reduce fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare system.
Fearful of losing even more funding, providers to pressure lawmakers on healthcare reform
Aug 14, 2009
Although it wasn’t unexpected, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ official announcement that it will be cutting $1 billion from nursing home Medicare payments starting Oct. 1 was...
AARP clarifies that it has not officially endorsed healthcare bills
Aug 13, 2009
AARP on Tuesday issued a correction to a statement made by President Barack Obama at his town hall meeting earlier that day. It clarified that the seniors advocacy group has not officially backed any healthcare...
CMS: No changes imminent to staffing formula for Five-Star rating
Mar 10, 2009
Federal health officials with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services say they are considering tweaking their new Five-Star nursing home ranking system, but altering the way staffing is graded will...
Newly appointed Orszag expected to play healthcare reform role
Dec 01, 2008
The recent appointment of Peter Orszag to director of the White House Office of Management and Budget indicates that the Obama administration is serious about controlling the rising costs of healthcare,...