We’re so accustomed to deficit spending, the mounting numbers have essentially lost most of their shock value.
This Price is no bargain
By
John O'Connor
Mar 05, 2017
Dr. Tom Price recently became Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Long-term care operators should cast a wary eye for two reasons: Medicaid and Medicare.
The BIG Picture: Healthcare reform is coming. So who in LTC cares?
By
John O'Connor
Nov 01, 2009
When the president, Congress, the media and others speculate about healthcare reform, they are not really talking about eldercare services.
The Big Picture | Hold nursing homes accountable. Cheapskates, too
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2022
This spring’s nursing home fun actually started Feb. 28, when the administration said it was going to push for the most sweeping industry reforms since OBRA ’87.
The BIG Picture: Let’s take out the trash
By
John O'Connor
Dec 01, 2010
In the song “Red Shoes,” Elvis Costello famously sings: “I used to be disgusted, but now I try to be amused.” Although the lyrics were recorded back in 1976, they provide an appropriate...
The BIG Picture: understanding why significant healthcare reform is unlikely to happen
By
John O'Connor
Jun 01, 2009
Despite a general dissatisfaction with Medicare and Medicaid rates, providers have mostly benefited from the way things are, at least as far as payments are concerned. Why would they want to mess with...
The real labor problem
By
John O'Connor
May 01, 2013
Long-term care operators are understandably giddy about the sudden prospect of immigration reform. Such a change holds the promise of a larger labor pool at a time of rampant worker shortages. Add in the...
Silly season in full bloom
By
John O'Connor
Oct 01, 2012
The Democrats and Republicans have wrapped up their conventions. Labor Day has passed. Cable TV is on a 24/7 news cycle. And unprecedented funding is flowing into this year’s campaigns.
No way to fix staffing
By
John O'Connor
Jan 01, 2014
It’s no secret that our nation’s long-term care facilities need additional caregivers. More than 43,000 direct care staff positions remain unfilled, according to figures from the American Health...
No wonder he left Congress
By
John O'Connor
Dec 05, 2023
If it seems like it’s silly season again in Washington, maybe that’s because it is. Congress can take a bow.