States overlooking untapped potential of dual-eligible special needs plans: report
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 28, 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act is expected to infuse $11 billion in federal dollars to states to bolster home- and community-based services in Medicaid. But few states are connecting the dots on how integrated...
Care coordination, policy changes can improve mental health services for older adults
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 20, 2022
Integrating aging services, mental health and physical health is key to improving quality of life outcomes for older adults, according to a mental health expert.
Proposed changes would put Medicaid recipients, providers at risk, advocates say
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 05, 2017
Congress should reject proposed “radical structural changes” to Medicaid funding that would lead to reduced services for beneficiaries and payments for providers, 100 advocacy organizations,...
Per-capita Medicaid cap could reduce dual-eligible spending by $44 billion over 10 years
By
Lois A. Bowers
Apr 20, 2017
A per-capita cap on federal Medicaid funding growth based on medical inflation could reduce spending on dual-eligible beneficiaries by $44 billion over the next 10 years, according to new research.
Providers should be ‘actively involved’ as some Medicare beneficiaries begin receiving nonmedical...
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 26, 2019
Two reports issued Thursday focus on ways the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can offer nonmedical supplemental benefits to chronically ill enrollees.
Concerns grow that pandemic relief bill will accelerate ongoing shift to HCBS
By
Amy Novotney
Mar 01, 2021
The $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday includes billions of dollars in new funding for government long-term services and supports for frail...
HHS extends timeframe for states to use federal funds to expand HCBS
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jun 03, 2022
States will have an additional year to use federal American Rescue Plan funds to expand home- and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries, the federal government announced Friday.
Home care providers praise 10% increase in FMAP in stimulus package
By
Diane Eastabrook
Mar 10, 2021
A “win-win” is how LeadingAge describes the proposed 10% increase in funding to Medicaid for home- and community-based services (HCBS). The increase was part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package...
State Medicaid directors urge caution on Graham-Cassidy reforms
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 22, 2017
The Graham-Cassidy bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act contains “significant challenges” that deserve “thorough discussion, examination and analysis,” the National...
CMS proposes first PACE update since 2006
By
Lois A. Bowers
Aug 14, 2016
The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly would be updated for the first time since 2006 under a proposal announced Thursday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.