Walking the “Perp” on your Premises

Was this completely necessary. Click here: Tiffany Cunningham, 26, was indicted by a Lubbock County grand jury in September and charged with two counts of assault, allegedly for slapping Alzheimer’s residents in January. Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted the Attorney General’s officers in making the arrest Thursday at Cunningham’s place of employment in Brownfield. [...]

Star+Plus and Stents

I have two news items to share this morning. Regarding the Star+Plus Program, long term care providers with limited but relevant information about a client (Client Name, Social Security Number, Client Number, Date of Birth) can submit a Medcaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification (MESAV), and Managed Care information will be available, effective November 4, 2005. [...]

Florida Allowed to Set Ceiling on Medicaid Spending

Last Wednesday, President George W. Bush approved a Medicaid plan for Florida that will shift from the traditional “defined benefit” plan to a “defined contribution” plan, allowing the state to set a ceiling on spending for each recipient. From the New York Times (free registration required): Joan C. Alker, a senior researcher at the Health [...]

‘Unusual Incidents’ of Hurricane Rita

Sounds like an ominous title for a documentary, doesn’t it? In many ways, it could be. All providers must follow the prescribed reporting guidelines when reporting “unusual incidents” associated with Hurricane Rita to the Consumer Rights and Services Division by calling 1-800-458-9858 (see PDF copy of provider letter). The reasons go without saying, but just [...]

Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma

Providers are bracing themselves for another hurricane and more tough decisions. Nursing homes are faced with whether to evacuate patients, some connected to feeding tubes and oxygen tanks, or ride out Hurricane Wilma in place. From the Washington Post: The decision to stay or flee in the event of a hurricane can be difficult even [...]

Fighting Medicare Fraud

Starting in January 2006, Medicare will begin offering coverage for prescription drugs, and attempts to defraud the system have already begun. According to the National Consumers League, “con artists” are taking advantage of the plan’s choice provision. “Choice can be a very good thing, but crooks are always looking to take advantage of opportunities and [...]