The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protects individuals' Private Health Information (PHI) held by "covered entities," like health plans, health care providers, and health care clearinghouses, and regulates the use and disclosure of PHI. In order to help emergency preparedness and recovery planners stay in compliance with HIPPA while accessing and using protected health information for the disabled, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) … [Read more...] about HIPAA and Emergency Preparedness
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Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid
In a move that is sure to cause controversy (although it shouldn't), President George Bush plans to implement new standards requiring Medicaid recipients to prove American citizenship in order to receive benefits. Although the Senate and House of Representatives are trying to reach a compromise on the immigration bill, Bush signed the Medicaid citizenship requirements into law back in February. The requirements will take effect on July 1, 2006. From the New York Times (free registration … [Read more...] about Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid
Senate Rejects Medical Care Access Protection Act
The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living issued a statement about the U.S. Senate's rejection of the Medical Care Access Protection Act, a bill that would have implemented health care liability reforms. Long term care providers have had to reduce patients' access to certain services because of the high costs of medical liability insurance caused by expensive litigation. The Medical Care Access Protection Act (PDF) was designed to reform the system by … [Read more...] about Senate Rejects Medical Care Access Protection Act
Amnesty, Illegal Immigration, and Medicaid
President George W. Bush's amnesty plan for illegal aliens is controversial for many reasons. Some believe it will "reward" criminal behavior, while others believe illegal aliens depress wages. Some lawmakers and their constituents believe granting legal status to aliens would be potentially burdensome to the Medicaid system. From Medical News Today: Under the 1996 welfare law, legal immigrants cannot apply for Medicaid or welfare benefits during their first five years in the U.S., but … [Read more...] about Amnesty, Illegal Immigration, and Medicaid
The Meaning of “Sex”
I recently received a call from a client who was concerned about an employee who showed up at a consumer's house as Stephanie after eight months as Steven. Actually, those are not the names used, and the concern was not with the employee as much as the consumer's possible reactions and confusion. So, how to respond? Was this employee protected under the anti-discrimination laws from any type of counseling or even termination? The Answer: Depends on where Steven/Stephanie lives. The United … [Read more...] about The Meaning of “Sex”
Close Call for Medicare and Medicaid
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
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
Proposed Increase in Payment Rates for Texas Medicaid Nursing Facilities and Associated Increases in Staffing and Spending Requirements for Facilities Participating in the Enhanced Direct Care Staff Rate
Texas HHSC has posted a letter regarding payment rates. It begins, On February 14, 2006, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received a letter from House Speaker Tom Craddick and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst authorizing the expenditure of $75 million in General Revenue and $115.7 million in Federal Funds at the Department of Aging and Disability Services for nursing facility services, including rate increases. The letter further stated that rate increases should be … [Read more...] about Proposed Increase in Payment Rates for Texas Medicaid Nursing Facilities and Associated Increases in Staffing and Spending Requirements for Facilities Participating in the Enhanced Direct Care Staff Rate
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
