Last Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill that would reduce Medicare and Medicaid spending by $10 billion over five years. Exhibiting a stunning lack of knowledge about basic economics, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said the cuts will affect the health industry (including providers), and not the beneficiaries (Reuters). Republicans are looking to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending even more, while Democrats say they're concerned … [Read more...] about Cutting Medicare and Medicaid–Hurting Only Providers?
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. (emphasis added) Obviously, at the time of the arrest, Ms. Cunningham was no longer working at the … [Read more...] about Walking the “Perp” on your Premises
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. As long as Managed Care information on a client (with valid information) exists, MESAV will return Medicaid and … [Read more...] about Star+Plus and Stents
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 Policy Institute of Georgetown University, said: "Florida's proposal is one of the most far-reaching and radical proposals we've seen to restructure … [Read more...] about Florida Allowed to Set Ceiling on Medicaid Spending
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 for the able-bodied. But as the evacuations for hurricanes Katrina and Rita showed this year, the decisions made at nursing homes more likely could be a matter … [Read more...] about Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma
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 might pretend to be from the government or legitimate companies to trick people into handing over their money or personal … [Read more...] about Fighting Medicare Fraud
Federal OIG To Investigate Katrina Nursing Home Deaths
Senator Chuck Grassley, through his position on the Senate Finance Committee, has issued a press release regarding his request that the OIG investigate nursing home deaths during Katrina. Specifically, he has requested that the OIG look at the following: 1) Were long-term care facilities prepared to evacuate patients across State lines? 2) Were policies and procedures in place to evacuate residents? 3) Was care jeopardized in transporting patients? and; 4) What mechanisms are … [Read more...] about Federal OIG To Investigate Katrina Nursing Home Deaths
Talk Radio Reminder
This is a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, September 23, I will be Mychal Massie's guest on talk radio at about 1:06 ET on WDEL 1150 AM in Delaware. I will be discussing the issue of St. Rita's nursing home in New Orleans. You can listen to it through the internet by clicking here. The call in number is 302-478-9335 . … [Read more...] about Talk Radio Reminder
PPAT Information On Katrina Relief Efforts
I received an e-mail with the following information from PPAT: Private Provider and Family Assistance: 1.) Mr. Chris Tilly, Executive Director of CARSA (Community and Residential Services Association) in Louisiana shared that several thousand providers have evacuated New Orleans, and a number of their group and community homes were destroyed by the hurricane. Housing is the most immediate need, it is estimated that it will take 6-8 months to rebuild or relocate these individuals … [Read more...] about PPAT Information On Katrina Relief Efforts
Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
I just received an e-mail from the Texas Health Care Association. Nursing Homes in East Texas are being asked to take Louisiana residents. Of course, this raises questions about reimbursement for Medicaid residents. According to THCA: Reimbursement for services is an issue that is to be worked out between the two nursing facilities. Also, if you are considering taking in these residents, you will not be allowed to exceed occupancy as allowed by your Texas license. You must … [Read more...] about Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts