Medicare ‘productivity adjustment’ cuts are not likely to last, panelists say
Aug 10, 2010
Medicare cuts in the form of “productivity adjustments” may not be sustained beyond 10 years and may need to be reversed, a panel of healthcare experts said recently.
CBO: market-basket freeze for skilled nursing could add up to billions in savings
Jul 10, 2009
The federal government can expect to save roughly $26 billion in Medicare costs over 10 years in part by freezing the market-basket update for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2010, according...
Hospitals with dedicated ERs for seniors look to improve care and prevent readmissions
Oct 27, 2010
Hospitals in Southeast Michigan have been rolling out new emergency rooms catering exclusively to older adults. Built partly in anticipation of a ballooning senior citizen population in coming years, these...
Malpractice caps, required EHRs part of Bush Medicare proposal
Feb 20, 2008
Forced by a mandate in the 2003 Medicare law, the Bush administration has proposed caps for noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits and a mandate for providers to use electronic health records.
Advance directives are not a proxy for euthanasia
By
Sherry Parrish
Aug 25, 2009
It is a mistake to think that advance care planning in any way hurts seniors. Such discussions may lead to more end-of-life care instead of less and help preserve individuals’ decision-making rights.
Rockefeller introduces bill making MedPAC independent executive branch agency
May 27, 2009
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is a legislative entity whose purpose is to advise Congress on matters of Medicare reimbursement rates and coverage policies. Now, one senator has introduced...
Nurses are the first line of defense in preventing readmissions, expert says
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 03, 2012
To help hospitals prevent costly readmissions, long-term care providers need to get serious about partnering with local hospitals, an expert said Tuesday.
House committee closer to compromise, senators tentatively agree to cut Medicare
Jul 30, 2009
Representatives appear to be inching closer to a compromise on healthcare reform. That comes as senators consider reducing Medicare spending to trim the cost of a reform package.
Cutting Medicare to nursing homes is poor healthcare policy
By
Alan G. Rosenbloom
Sep 15, 2009
Congress is considering healthcare reform legislation that proposes deep cuts to Medicare spending for nursing home care. Such a bill would not be the way to achieve meaningful reform.
New HHS report details benefits of healthcare reform efforts for seniors
Aug 28, 2009
In recent weeks, many U.S. seniors have spoken out against healthcare reform. In a new report, the Department of Health and Human Services stresses that reform is necessary to save the Medicare program.