New CMS rule would make Medicare data available to providers
Jun 06, 2011
In a move to help consumers find high-quality care and help providers offer it, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a new proposed rule that would let qualified organizations access...
CMS finds group to conduct recovery audits
Jun 03, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has hired a contractor to conduct recovery audit functions on Medicare Part D drug plan, according to the Bureau of National Affairs.
CMS issues final rule on Medicaid payments for preventable injuries and illness
Jun 02, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule Wednesday that will reduce or prohibit Medicaid payments to doctors, hospitals or other healthcare providers for services that resulted...
Senators request ACO rule withdrawal
May 25, 2011
Seven Republican Senators have asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to withdraw a proposed regulation creating accountable care organizations, according to a letter released Tuesday.
Medicare fund will be depleted by 2024, report finds
May 16, 2011
The annual Medicare Trustees report found that under current conditions, the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund will be exhausted by 2024, largely due to the bad economy. The same report, which was...
Administration explains possible huge nursing home pay-rate reduction
May 13, 2011
A possible Medicare payment rate reduction to skilled nursing facilities relates to higher-than-expected therapy classifications, federal officials explained Thursday.
Inspector General report: 1 in 7 nursing home residents are incorrectly prescribed psychotropic medications
May 11, 2011
As many as one in seven elderly nursing home residents, most of whom have dementia, are being prescribed expensive, powerful antipsychotic medications that increase the risk of death, according to a report...
Report details new CMS quality improvement indicator tool
May 10, 2011
Quality Indicator Survey inspectors are beginning to use new software that works with personal tablet computers during their nursing home visits, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.
A first: CMS allows Arizona to freeze an emergency-only Medicaid program
May 09, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has opened a new door, agreeing for the first time to allow a state to end a Medicaid program that offers temporary help for residents who have had catastrophic...
Obama Medicaid rule would discourage provider reimbursement cuts
May 04, 2011
The Obama administration has proposed a rule that would make it harder for states to reduce Medicaid payments to nursing homes, doctors and hospitals. The rule would help federal and state officials implement...