For the time being, Medicare and Medicaid spending won't be cut. Although President George Bush proposed a $65 billion reduction in Medicaid, Medicare, and other mandatory programs, the Senate voted to exclude the provisions. Last week, the House Budget Committee also voted to exclude the cuts. As expected, both political parties are divided on the president's budget. From Medical News Today: The House resolution's entitlement savings are "well shy of what conservatives had sought, but … [Read more...] about Close Call for Medicare and Medicaid
Branding Long Term Care
We aren't raised to ever think about aging. Aging is something we all face but avoid talking about. A Milwaukee-based advertising firm has developed a marketing campaign for aging called "LTC: Let's Take Care," designed to "look at an old issue, raise community awareness and more easily identify the area's long-term care providers so that people know what's available and plan for that time in life a little bit better." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) The article calls the "branding" of long … [Read more...] about Branding Long Term Care
Charity Care Declines
America has always been a generous country, and some professions encourage practitioners to offer free services to those who need but can't afford those services. For example, lawyers are encouraged to do pro bono work for the indigent who need legal representation. The American Bar Association and other legal organizations include this in their codes of ethics. Physicians are also encouraged to provide free or reduced-cost services, but the proportion of doctors who give charity care is on … [Read more...] about Charity Care Declines
Nursing Homes Seek Economic Stability
Nursing homes are bearing the brunt of state budget cuts and after-effects of the hurricane season. For example, Louisiana faced $70.2 million in budget cuts, but the Senate decided to exclude a provision that called for a $36 billion reduction in Medicare and Medicaid funding. The House of Representatives may choose to include the provision. From United Press International: "What we're looking to do is get the economic stability to do a better job," said Bruce Yarwood, president and … [Read more...] about Nursing Homes Seek Economic Stability
Provider Letter: More Delays in Licensure
In January, I blogged about a provider letter issued by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA). At that time, DADS reported lengthy delays in processing applications for initial licensure and Medicare certification because of the number of applications received. In a new letter, DADS advises HCSSA's to expect more delays, especially in places like Region 6 (Houston Regional Office) and Region 3 (Arlington Regional … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: More Delays in Licensure
Update Medicare Coverage for Spinal Disk
Last month I blogged about an artificial spinal disk called Charite by (Johnson & Johnson). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed to deny coverage for the surgery, citing lack of evidence that it is "reasonable and necessary." The 30-day period for comments ended last Friday, and it appears Medicare will not cover the procedure. The final ruling is due in May. From the New York Times: The Medicare decision was based on several well-known criticisms of Charité. The … [Read more...] about Update Medicare Coverage for Spinal Disk
Market Forces Lower Prescription Drug Prices
According to Mike Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, prescription drug prices have dropped, thanks to "market forces." (Medical News Today) So capitalism works? Excellent news! President Bush must have had the right idea by injecting competition into Medicare's prescription drug program, the same one that people say is confusing. According to a survey conducted by America's Health Insurance Plans, however, the plan is not so confusing after all. From the … [Read more...] about Market Forces Lower Prescription Drug Prices
Benefits – Have You Notified CMS About Employees’, Retirees’ and Dependents’ Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage?
This past November, employers were required to notify Medicare-eligible employees, retirees and dependents about whether their current prescription drug coverage was "creditable" for purposes of Medicare Part D. Employers must now notify the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and CMS has published guidelines for doing so. To comply with the disclosure requirement, employers must fill out the form on the Creditable Coverage Disclosure to CMS Website at: … [Read more...] about Benefits – Have You Notified CMS About Employees’, Retirees’ and Dependents’ Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage?
FLSA – When Is Break Time Work Time?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay workers for all hours actually worked. So, mistakes in calculating break times can sometimes lead to wage errors resulting in penalties and fines assessed by the Department of Labor (DOL). What does the law say? It is illegal to dock hourly non-exempt employees for short breaks (typically between five and 20 minutes) and for any portion of their meal breaks that they actually worked. Example: An employer docked hourly employees … [Read more...] about FLSA – When Is Break Time Work Time?
Court Tells Employer It Could Be Liable to Third Parties for Not Investigating and Halting Employee’s Online Porn Activities
A New Jersey Superior Court has held that an employer that fails to act on evidence of an employee's criminal online activities should be held accountable. Specifically, co-workers had complained about the employee's computer abuse, and the employee's supervisor had become suspicious that the employee was abusing his Internet use on the Company's computers. The company failed to take any action until later monitoring showed the employee was accessing numerous pornography sites, including child … [Read more...] about Court Tells Employer It Could Be Liable to Third Parties for Not Investigating and Halting Employee’s Online Porn Activities