President Obama signed sweeping healthcare reform legislation into law at press time. The measure promises notable changes in the way nursing homes are regulated, paid for and situated in the nation’s healthcare spectrum.
First-ever transparency requirements are intended to make nursing home landlords more apparent and accountable. The measure also includes provisions to create a national trust allowing discretionary long-term care spending.
Pending amendments tackle less grandiose considerations. One ensures that skilled nursing facilities receive a full market basket payment update in 2010 and 2011. Another extends the Medicare therapy caps exceptions process through the end of calendar 2010.
Congressional Republicans unanimously panned the bill’s content and expense. The Congressional Budget Office pegs its cost at $938 billion over 10 years.
From the April 01, 2010 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
