The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is asking for $49 million more in its next budget, largely to expand long-term care inspection programs.
Referral fees OK, says OIG
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 01, 2014
A long-term care provider that requested clearance for a system of paying an agency to refer patients is in the clear.
Stability sought via budget deal
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 17, 2014
Providers are likely looking forward to a fiscal 2014 with generally stable funding sources and no repeat of a government shutdown. The Senate was expected to vote on and pass a massive $1.1 trillion government...
House releases new plans for healthcare
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 01, 2009
Three House committees officially released their version of healthcare reform legislation in mid-July, meeting a deadline requested by President Obama and igniting a firestorm of debate.
Members of Congress ratchet up pressure on nursing homes
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 03, 2018
Four influential Republican Congressmen sent a letter to federal regulators Tuesday, requesting sweeping answers about the agency’s oversight of nursing homes.
Claims facing more scrutiny from auditors, survey shows
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2012
If providers feels like they’re under more intense scrutiny than ever before from Medicare recovery audit contractors, there is a good reason: They are.
Obama’s cuts draw hot provider rebuke
By
James M. Berklan
May 01, 2013
President Obama’s proposed budget is dead in the water as long-term care providers see it. They stand to lose $81 billion over 10 years if the measure is approved.
Lawmakers demand answers, imply oversight is inadequate
By
James M. Berklan
May 08, 2018
Legislators’ request for sweeping information about federal regulators’ oversight of nursing homes is part of a House Energy and Commerce Committee official inquiry. A letter from four U.S....
Feds: Without more funds, we are cutting provider oversight
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 01, 2014
Nursing providers could feel reduced heat from federal Medicare and Medicaid oversight activities — if an agency official’s testimony is to be believed as more than just budget-request bluster.
Avalere: SNFs facing $65 billion in losses
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2012
A 1.8% increase in Medicare payments to skilled nursing providers that starts next month will essentially be negated by losses expected from sequestration and the enactment of fresh “bad debt”...