Look, Washington state’s public insurance program is far from perfect. But if some opponents have their way, it’ll never even get started. And that would be a real loss.
No cheering in the press box
By
John O'Connor
Jun 14, 2021
Beware the bullish expert. You never know what they’ve sharpened their “horns” on.
A clever idea for a skilled care tax break. But there might be one little problem ….
By
John O'Connor
May 21, 2018
Our new tax law gives some of the largest companies in America a substantial tax break. The American Health Care Association wouldn’t mind snapping off a similar reduction for many of its members.
Did OSHA just tell nursing homes to cut back on care?
By
John O'Connor
Feb 12, 2018
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration dropped the hammer on a Colorado facility last week. Given what’s happened, OSHA’s response might seem reasonable. At least on paper.
Promising signs on the regulatory front
By
John O'Connor
Oct 16, 2017
President Trump is no fan of regulations, and long-term care operators have more than their fair share to contend with. So it’s a welcome breeze when Trump says he wants to start eliminating some...
Reform’s new ‘lynchpin’
By
John O'Connor
Jul 06, 2017
The long-term care sector is reeling a bit, thanks to two recent developments.
Medicaid just might sink Trumpcare
By
John O'Connor
May 29, 2017
With recent major funding proposals about Medicaid causing such a tizzy, it’s fair to ask why the powers-that-be find Medicaid such a tempting piñata. There are two main drivers. But only one is...
Feds trim pay bump from prior estimate
By
John O'Connor
Sep 04, 2015
The federal government announced it would reduce a proposed Medicare rate hike for next year. Skilled care operators will now see a $430 million increase rather than the $500 million that had been recommended.
SNFs can ask for a 3-month reprieve in quality reporting
By
John O'Connor
Sep 04, 2015
Skilled nursing facilities unable to provide data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new quality reporting program will have a 90-day window to request an exception or extension, officials...
Vital Connect’s biosensor gets federal approval
By
John O'Connor
Sep 10, 2014
Vital Connect announced that it received Food & Drug Administration clearance to market its HealthPatch™MD biosensor for monitoring patients.