Beefed up Aetna program targets people with multiple chronic diseases
By
John O'Connor
Sep 18, 2020
Aetna is trying out an expanded approach to home healthcare for people with multiple chronic diseases. The CVS-owned firm will team with Landmark Health to help its Medicare Advantage plan policy holders....
Defendant pleads guilty in $400,000 home care referrals case
By
John O'Connor
Sep 16, 2020
A skilled nursing and assisted living facility’s social services director has pleaded guilty to participating in a kickback scheme involving home care referrals.
For homebound seniors, these tech tools can help restore independence
By
John O'Connor
Sep 25, 2020
Old age is said to bring wisdom. But it can steal many things, too, particularly when it comes to independent living. Fortunately, emerging tech tools are helping to compensate for some of the larcenies...
Nurse with the meds is stuck in traffic? In Helsinki, it’s no big deal
By
John O'Connor
Sep 23, 2020
Getting medications to home care recipients in large metropolitan areas can be a challenge. Especially if the nurse carrying them is delayed. Finland’s largest city has found a way around the problem:...
CMS finalizes chronic kidney disease payment model
By
John O'Connor
Sep 22, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized an alternative payment model for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Southern living can take a toll on health, rankings suggest
By
John O'Connor
Sep 16, 2020
The South rightfully can be proud of its reputation for friendliness and top-notch cuisine. But it’s also where people requiring home health services likely are to be found in disproportionately high...
Growing pains or not, many operators wincing under PDGM
By
John O'Connor
Sep 21, 2020
Many home care operators viewed the looming Patient-Driven Grouping Model with a combination of angst and dread. Nearly a year into Medicare’s new classification and payment system, such concerns hardly...
OMB mulling plan to decouple Medicare Part A from Social Security
By
John O'Connor
Sep 17, 2020
The government’s Office of Management and Budget is reviewing a proposal that would let beneficiaries decouple federal benefits that are conjoined.
Home alone: For many, post-acute care never is delivered
By
John O'Connor
Sep 11, 2020
Home health services are expected to expand as more patients are sent directly home from hospitals. But what if the recommended post-acute care never occurs?
SEIU settles lawsuit over dues-deduction practices
By
John O'Connor
Sep 28, 2020
The Service Employees International Union has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over dues deduction practices that affect home care workers.