When is a meager pay hike viewed as welcome news? When the source of that increase — namely, the federal government — seems intent on making cuts almost everywhere else.
Hospices to receive 2.5% bump for Medicare patients
Aug 01, 2011
Hospices treating Medicare beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in payments for fiscal year 2012, according to a final rule released Friday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. They must...
Provider group: Cut Medicare pay rate by 3.0%, save 100,000 jobs
Jun 29, 2011
The leader of the nation’s largest nursing home association has suggested the federal government cut Medicare reimbursement rates by 3.0% in fiscal 2012, not a threatened 11.3%. Such a move, along...
‘Tis nursing home conference season
By
Liza Berger
Oct 22, 2010
It’s hard to believe we’re in the midst of another conference season. The American Health Care Association’s annual meeting already has passed and the American Association of Homes and...
Market basket increase for 2011 ‘more than adequate,’ MedPAC says
Aug 13, 2010
The proposed fiscal year 2011 market basket update of 1.7% for skilled nursing facilities is “more than adequate,” the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) said in a letter to the...
CMS: Nursing homes to get 1.7% Medicare payment increase
Jul 19, 2010
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services late Friday posted payment updates for skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation facilities’ prospective payment systems for fiscal 2011. Nursing homes...
A big night for healthcare reform
By
Liza Berger
Mar 22, 2010
Sunday evening marked the turning point for the passage of healthcare reform. After the turmoil of the past year, you almost have to pinch yourself to believe it.
Healthcare reform is still alive
By
Liza Berger
Feb 22, 2010
The release of President Obama’s healthcare reform proposal couldn’t have come at a better time. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging is holding its advocacy conference...
MedPAC recommends freeze on skilled nursing facility payments for fiscal year 2011
Jan 15, 2010
As expected, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) on Thursday recommended that skilled nursing facilities not receive a payment increase for fiscal year 2011.
Senate set to begin debate this week on healthcare reform bill
Nov 30, 2009
Fresh from its Thanksgiving break, the Senate is scheduled to pick up its debate over healthcare reform on Tuesday. Some provisions affecting senior care providers are similar to those in the House bill...