More than 400 long-term and post-acute care professionals from across the country completed meetings with their respective federal lawmakers Wednesday in Washington. The meetings were the conclusion of...
Sleeper measures could cut Medicare payments to skilled care operators
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2014
As far as skilled care is concerned, most recent reporting on a major Medicare bill has all but overlooked what’s in the bill for the sector. And it’s not trivial.
Docs might get a raise, and long-term care might get a bill
By
John O'Connor
Feb 10, 2014
Major League teams don’t celebrate World Series victories midway through the season. But politicians do the equivalent all the time. Consider a revised Medicare payment plan that was joyously unveiled...
A ‘Super’ physician-pay fix in the making?
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 29, 2014
I suppose it’s only fitting that during the week of the season’s biggest football game, Washington healthcare wonks are discussing a potential huge punt of their own.
Time for long-term care to take a lesson from the NRA?
By
John O'Connor
Jan 27, 2014
It’s funny, most of the time, Congress gets along about as well as the Hatfields and the McCoys. But if there is one thought that seems to unify our elected officials, it’s this: Nursing homes...
Long-Term Care Commission seeking provider input
By
Ashley Carman
Jul 18, 2013
The Long-Term Care Commission is looking for feedback from providers following its second meeting held yesterday. The committee wants to hear providers’ proposals before it makes recommendations...
AHCA members zero in on quality on Capitol Hill
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 04, 2013
Providers will focus on promoting solutions to the “doc fix,” bad debt and the observation stay loophole during visits with their Congressional representatives Tuesday. And they shouldn’t...
Pssst, here’s how the LTC lobby can eliminate the 3-day rule — and gain other Congressional perks
By
John O'Connor
Apr 19, 2013
You might not be old enough to remember the “Schoolhouse Rock” videos that aired between cartoons on Saturday mornings during the 1970s. One of my favorites was “I’m Just a Bill.”...
One week to go: Providers anxious about Medicare automatic spending cuts
Feb 22, 2013
All eyes will be on Congress when it reconvenes Monday. Lawmakers will have just four days to act if they are to derail automatic spending cuts that would take 2% off the top of Medicare reimbursements....
House Republicans aim to block board’s Medicare authority
Jan 04, 2013
Republican House leaders say they will continue to fight a part of the healthcare reform law that could lead to Medicare spending reductions without direct input from Congress. The House was scheduled...