A reason for providers to smile amid so much angst
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 30, 2017
Sure, a tax overhaul bill that has a significant segment of providers quivering is picking up steam and should be on the president’s desk soon. But there’s also other legislation being considered...
Sleeper measures could cut Medicare payments to skilled care operators
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2014
As far as skilled care is concerned, most recent reporting on a major Medicare bill has all but overlooked what’s in the bill for the sector. And it’s not trivial.
Docs might get a raise, and long-term care might get a bill
By
John O'Connor
Feb 10, 2014
Major League teams don’t celebrate World Series victories midway through the season. But politicians do the equivalent all the time. Consider a revised Medicare payment plan that was joyously unveiled...
A ‘Super’ physician-pay fix in the making?
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 29, 2014
I suppose it’s only fitting that during the week of the season’s biggest football game, Washington healthcare wonks are discussing a potential huge punt of their own.
Time for long-term care to take a lesson from the NRA?
By
John O'Connor
Jan 27, 2014
It’s funny, most of the time, Congress gets along about as well as the Hatfields and the McCoys. But if there is one thought that seems to unify our elected officials, it’s this: Nursing homes...
Pssst, here’s how the LTC lobby can eliminate the 3-day rule — and gain other Congressional perks
By
John O'Connor
Apr 19, 2013
You might not be old enough to remember the “Schoolhouse Rock” videos that aired between cartoons on Saturday mornings during the 1970s. One of my favorites was “I’m Just a Bill.”...
Beware of hospital observation loopholes
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Dec 07, 2012
Hospitals have been undergoing more and more restrictions on re-admissions and are now facing financial penalties in some situations. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in more patients not being classified...
Preserving the status quo costs more than ever
By
John O'Connor
Nov 16, 2012
As $6 billion investments go, the 2012 presidential and Congressional races didn’t deliver much of a return. Except, of course, for people who like to spend money in order to keep things the way...
Campaign 2012 boosted importance, value of nursing home care in public policy dialogue
By
Alan G. Rosenbloom
Nov 12, 2012
Despite the customary complaints about negativity and the avalanche of TV ads, the 2012 campaign was unusually substantive from the standpoint of the entitlement reform discussion because both sides were...
Best is yet to come? Don’t tell that to providers
By
John O'Connor
Nov 09, 2012
When he gave his acceptance speech Tuesday night, President Obama told the nation that “the best is yet to come.” Many long-term care operators may not be in full agreement.