Bipartisan bill would make audio-only telehealth visits permanent for Medicare enrollees
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 27, 2021
New legislation providing audio-only telehealth visits for Medicare enrollees hit the House of Representatives earlier this week.
Home care providers welcome confirmation of Brooks-LaSure as new CMS administrator
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 26, 2021
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at last has a new administrator. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to head CMS by a 55 to 44 vote, with four Republicans...
New healthcare coalition makes a splash in Washington, lobbies for hospital-at-home extension beyond...
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 25, 2021
Just two weeks shy of its three-month anniversary, Moving Health Home, a coalition pushing for more clinical care done at home, has already tripled its membership and sharpened its policy focus in Washington.
UnitedHealthcare launches home health option for Medicare Advantage group retirees
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 10, 2021
Starting next January, seniors enrolled in UnitedHealthcare group retiree Medicare Advantage plans will have access to an array of benefits helping them transition home from a hospital or skilled nursing...
Sequestration could delay mergers and acquisitions: Amedisys CEO
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 30, 2021
The extended moratorium on Medicare pay cuts to healthcare providers could throw a monkey wrench into Amedisys’ acquisition plans, CEO Paul Kusserow admitted Thursday.
DaVita Q1 revenues decline due to impact of COVID-19
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 30, 2021
Dialysis provider DaVita said higher patient mortality rates due to COVID-19, along with the high cost of personal protective equipment, affected its first quarter earnings.
Medicare Advantage benefits that help seniors age in place may be underutilized
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 28, 2021
While more Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offering supplemental benefits to help seniors age in place, many beneficiaries aren’t using them.
Senate Finance Committee splits over CMS nominee
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 26, 2021
The Senate Finance Committee was divided along party lines late last week on the nominee to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Telehealth proves to be more popular than expected: physical therapy firm
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 26, 2021
Telehealth has turned out to be a big hit with patients needing physical therapy during the pandemic, according to ATI Physical Therapy, which provides home health services.
COVID-19 long-haulers spur push for palliative care services
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 22, 2021
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is leading an effort for a demonstration project that would cover palliative care for older Americans under Medicare