Long-term care pharmacy groups propose changes to make short-cycle dispensing more efficient, cost-effective
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 05, 2013
Long-term care pharmacies are struggling with an Affordable Care Act provision related to short-cycle dispensing of brand name oral solid drugs, according to a recent letter from the Long Term Care Pharmacy...
Dual-eligibles are happy with Medicare Part D, survey finds
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 04, 2012
About 90% of seniors, including dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, are happy with Medicare’s prescription drug program, a new survey reveals.
Donut hole dangers
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 05, 2012
It’s well established that nursing home residents frequently struggle with conditions such as heart failure and depression. It’s also true that critics of nursing home care are quick to blame...
Most meds used by dual eligibles are covered by Medicare Part D, OIG says
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 12, 2012
The vast majority of the medications used by people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid can find what they need through Medicare Part D formularies, a federal report finds.
A new Medicare overhaul proposed by two Republican senators on Thursday would save an estimated $200 billion to $500 billion over 10 years by way of “premium support.”
Medicaid drug costs are much lower than Medicare Part D costs, report finds
Aug 17, 2011
Medicaid’s net unit drug costs are much lower than costs under Medicare Part D, which is attributed to higher Medicaid rebates for brand name medications, according to a new report.
Medicare Part D keeps seniors out of nursing homes, hospitals, study shows
Jul 28, 2011
Medicare’s prescription-coverage program cuts healthcare costs by about $12 billion. That’s because the benefit reduces admissions to nursing homes and hospitals, according to a new study.
Medicare Part D sponsors may be overcharging beneficiaries; investigation sought
Mar 10, 2011
Congressional Democrats are calling for a full review of the Medicare Part D program following a recent audit that found that many program sponsors have been overcharging beneficiaries by underestimating...
Some healthcare reform provisions take effect
Jan 03, 2011
A number of key healthcare reform provisions affecting the long-term care industry began Jan. 1, right before the new session of Congress comes back to Washington, according to The Hill.
Open enrollment for Medicare Part D drug program sparks debate
Oct 26, 2010
In preparation for the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it has streamlined its coverage options and eliminated choices it considered repetitive....