New York pushes back against home-care benefits rule
Jan 27, 2009
The state of New York is urging the Obama administration to overturn a rule that denies couples receiving home care the same financial rights as those in nursing homes.
Report: Medicaid continues to provide majority of nursing home funding
Jan 21, 2009
Nursing homes and residential care facilities continued to receive the bulk of their funding from Medicaid in 2007, with the entitlement program dishing out $59 billion to them, according to a new U.S....
Healthcare reformers seek to expand Medicaid, but coverage mandates could hinder the process
Jan 21, 2009
With Barack Obama officially sworn in as president, many in Washington are wondering whether 2009 will be a year of significant reform. There are still numerous barriers that must be removed before moving...
CMS to start durable medical equipment bidding process following delay
Jan 16, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has begun the process of reinstating the controversial competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS)....
Federal nursing home spending gains speed while overall healthcare spending slows
Jan 06, 2009
Federal spending on nursing home and home health accelerated in 2007, even as overall healthcare spending grew at the slowest rate since 1998, according to a new spending report issued today by the Centers...
New stimulus plan could contain $100 billion in state Medicaid funding
Dec 19, 2008
New details are emerging from Washington this week about a proposed economic stimulus package that some are saying could cost up to $850 billion and contain $100 billion in state Medicaid funding. Medicaid...
CMS struggles to clarify new oxygen equipment law
Dec 18, 2008
Officials at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have been working to dispel rumors that a new federal law could limit Medicare beneficiary access to oxygen equipment, according to recent news...
Five-star nursing home rating system kicks off with controversy
Dec 18, 2008
The head of one provider organization reacted negatively Wednesday to the way the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has handled the launch of a new five-star rating system for nursing homes. The...
Treasury chief gives bleak forecast for Medicaid, Medicare
Dec 17, 2008
U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is expressing skepticism over the future of Medicaid, Medicare and other government-funded programs.
CMS asks 30,000 Medicare providers to take part in survey
Dec 17, 2008
The fourth annual Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services healthcare provider satisfaction survey is on its way, the agency announced Tuesday.