The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a draft version of MDS 3.0 last week. CMS disclosed details about it at a Long-Term Care Open Door Forum.

The dual-eligible population of New York--those elderly individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid--pose a significant cost burden on the healthcare system, and hinder reform efforts, according to a report released last week by the United Hospital Fund.

Medicaid is underfunding state long-term care efforts by $4.2 billion this year, according to a new analysis of Medicaid financing released Wednesday by the American Health Care Association.

Government spending on Medicaid is expected to reach $674 billion by 2017, with annual spending projected to outpace U.S. economic growth, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Healthcare advocacy groups, including the American Health Care Association, have been urging Congress to include additional funds for Medicaid in a second possible stimulus package.

The current global financial crisis will not prevent the next Congress or president from making healthcare reforms, key leaders are saying.

A Florida pilot program designed to give Medicare beneficiaries more choice and control concerning their healthcare plans has led to more confusion than anything else, according to a recent review by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging's long-term care financing plan has gained traction with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as consumer groups, said Larry Minnix, president and CEO of the association.

The Office of Inspector General has supplemented 2000 compliance program guidance for nursing facilities.

While the nursing home industry can be proud of its accomplishments in Washington over the last year, many challenges await. These include card-check legislation in Congress and a problematic five-star rating system, Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, said Monday at the 59th Annual Convention & Expo's Opening General Session in Nashville.