According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare is expanding coverage for bariatric surgery. From the press release: CMS reviewed new data and analyses which demonstrate that surgeons with more experience have similar outcomes for patients of all ages. After reviewing the evidence and considering recommendations of professional societies and other experts in the field, the Agency determined that of the various bariatric surgeries currently available, the evidence … [Read more...] about Medicare Will Cover Obesity Surgery
The Deficit Reduction Act and Long Term Care Providers
Finally, someone has something positive to say about Congress. Steve Moses of the Center for Long-Term Care Reform wrote a piece for The Heartland Institute titled, Analysis: Congress Strengthens Long-Term Care. Moses writes: The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2006, signed into law by President George W. Bush on February 8, curbs Medicaid planning abuse (the sheltering of assets to make a non-eligible person eligible for Medicaid long-term care coverage) and releases the Long-Term Care … [Read more...] about The Deficit Reduction Act and Long Term Care Providers
CQ Editor Discusses Medicare; Millions Missing Out on Coverage
Mary Agnes Carey, associate editor of CQ [Congressional Quarterly] HealthBeat spoke about the FY 2007 budget, the FY 2006 budget reconciliation, and Medicare's prescription drug program. (Medical News Today) Under the FY 2007, Medicare spending would be cut by $36 billion. Medicare payments would be reduced for certain long term care providers, including home health agencies. Carey also discussed a clerical error found in the FY 2006 budget reconciliation bill after it was passed in the House … [Read more...] about CQ Editor Discusses Medicare; Millions Missing Out on Coverage
Baby Boomers, Aging, and Long Term Care
The generation born during a period of high birth rates between 1946 and 1964 has influenced the culture in many ways. The oldest members of the "baby boomers" are around 60, and in a few years many of them will retire. As this generation ages, the demand for long term care services will increase. Rose Marie Fagan, executive director of the Pioneer Network, which "advocates and facilitates deep system change and transformation in our culture of aging," says baby boomers are already … [Read more...] about Baby Boomers, Aging, and Long Term Care
Medicare News: No Coverage for Artificial Spinal Disks
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services seeks to deny coverage for an artificial spinal disk called Charite. Lack of evidence that the surgery required to implant the disk is "reasonable and necessary" is the reason, says CMS. From Kaiser Network's report: The proposal to deny Medicare coverage for Charite could prompt private health insurers to take similar actions. According to the Journal, such actions would represent a "rare setback" for J&J, which has "excelled at persuading … [Read more...] about Medicare News: No Coverage for Artificial Spinal Disks
Medicare News: Ultrasound Coverage
Here is some important news for providers and good news for abdominal aneurysm sufferers: next year Medicare will begin coverage for ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms for high-risk beneficiaries, according to the Kaiser Network. "High-risk" groups include: • Beneficiaries with a history of aneurysms in their family • Males who've smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetimes Beneficiaries currently in the Medicare program will not receive coverage for … [Read more...] about Medicare News: Ultrasound Coverage
New Mexico and Nurse Aide Training Waivers
I have been doing some research into the issue of Nurse Aide Training Waivers in New Mexico. Given that many facilities in New Mexico are located in small rural communities, losing Nurse Aide Training due to survey issues is a huge problem for some of those facilities. What can such a facility do when there is an urgent need for Nurse Aide Training during the time period the facility is disallowed from the program? The Federal Regulations allow waivers in some instances. Note that 42 USC … [Read more...] about New Mexico and Nurse Aide Training Waivers
Update Your QAAC With Safe Resident Handling and Movement Practices
DADS has posted Provider Letter #05-50 - Safe Resident Handling and Movement Practices. The letter is a result of Senate Bill 1525 (SB 1525), which is codified in Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 256. What the statute requires is that a facility's Quality Assurance Comittee, shall adopt and ensure implementation of a policy to identify, assess, and develop strategies to control risk of injury to patients and nurses associated with the lifting, transferring, repositioning, or movement of a … [Read more...] about Update Your QAAC With Safe Resident Handling and Movement Practices
Sen. Grassley: “Beneficiaries have significant rights and protections under the new program.”
Several politicians weighed in on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit in The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper. (Medical News Today) Senator Chuck Grassley (pictured), the lone Republican in the group, says although some claim the new drug benefit program is complex, having choices will ensure that beneficiaries will get the best plan for their needs. Grassley added that the Medicare call center is available 24 hours a day. Senator John Kerry, the Democrat from Massachusetts, … [Read more...] about Sen. Grassley: “Beneficiaries have significant rights and protections under the new program.”
Japanese Company Cuts Benefits for U.S. Retirees
In a move that will likely be the subject of many angry letters and op-eds, Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer, has announced it will cut health insurance and pension benefits for U.S. employees to "remain competitive." From Medical News Today: Nissan informed workers with manufacturing jobs that, starting at age 65, they will receive an annual stipend to supplement Medicare coverage instead of receiving supplemental health care coverage from the company. A Nissan spokesperson said … [Read more...] about Japanese Company Cuts Benefits for U.S. Retirees