Power seat elevation on power wheelchairs now covered as DME in ‘landmark’ CMS decision
By
Lois A. Bowers
May 16, 2023
For the first time ever, power seat elevation on power wheelchairs will be covered as durable medical equipment through the Medicare program, according to a benefit category determination and national...
Skilled nursing occupancy increases are beginning to slow: NIC report
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Nov 12, 2021
Although skilled nursing occupancy increased for seven consecutive, NIC MAP data reported a slowdown in August in its November skilled nursing monthly report.
Home care lauds new legislation that would create national long-term care insurance plan
By
Diane Eastabrook
Jul 02, 2021
A new bill before Congress would help seniors pay for long-term care at home. On Thursday, Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act.
US healthcare spending for NFs and CCRCs to reach $337.4 billion by 2032, CMS says
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jun 13, 2024
National health expenditures for nursing facilities and continuing care retirement communities are expected to reach $337.4 billion by 2032, according to new estimates released Wednesday by the Office...
CMS reports $5.9 billion decrease in improper home health payments
By
Joe Jancsurak
Nov 19, 2020
Home health changes resulted in a $5.9 billion decrease in estimated improper payments from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.
More news for Monday, Nov. 7
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Nov 07, 2022
HUD opens 5th round of COVID supplemental payments, reduces reimbursements for senior housing … Front Porch expands memory care programs to meet increasing demand … Active adult data now available...
Skilled nursing occupancy dips: NIC
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Jun 06, 2023
Occupancy decreased among skilled nursing facilities in March, after increasing for two months in a row, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care’s most recent skilled nursing...
Provider groups concerned by HHS, HUD cuts in Trump’s $4.8 trillion budget
By
Lois A. Bowers
Feb 11, 2020
The Department of Health and Human Services would see a 10% funding cut, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development would see a 15% funding cut, under the $4.8 trillion budget proposed Monday...
New administration likely to scrutinize MA plans more closely, address Medicaid HCBS issues, policy experts...
By
Liza Berger
Jan 28, 2021
Medicare Advantage (MA) will continue to grow significantly and offer flexibility, but the Biden administration likely will be scrutinizing plans more carefully, according to two highly respected healthcare...
GAO to CMS: Keep a closer eye on HCBS programs during pandemic
By
Diane Eastabrook
Sep 14, 2021
The General Accounting Office is recommending the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pay closer scrutiny to temporary changes to home-and-community-based services during public health emergencies...