Provider groups decry ‘chronic underfunding’ as CMS introduces HCBS quality measures
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 22, 2022
The federal government’s introduction Thursday of quality measures for the home- and community-based services offered by assisted living and other providers comes in the midst of “longstanding, chronic...
Federal COVID-19 vaccination, testing mandates have pros, cons, experts say
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Nov 05, 2021
Although generally supportive of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for members of its workforce, senior living leaders are concerned about the effects on its workforce.
Reporting COVID vaccination data to CMS would be ‘burdensome,’ ‘redundant’ for assisted living,...
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 14, 2021
Requiring assisted living providers to report weekly COVID-19 vaccination data to the federal government would add administrative and cost burdens to operators already challenged by the pandemic and even...
New legislation takes steps to close HCBS gap for older adults: senior living experts
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jun 28, 2021
Although a bipartisan infrastructure deal reached Thursday did not include much-sought-after funding for home- and community-based services and affordable housing, the senior living industry is hailing...
CMS seeks feedback on quality measures proposed for HCBS
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 21, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking feedback on proposed national quality and outcomes measures for the Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services provided for older adults...
Senior living associations appreciate prioritization of long-term care in Medicaid expansion proposal
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jul 23, 2020
Senior living associations say they appreciate that former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, is prioritizing long-term care in his proposal to create a “21st-century...
Federal government takes action as long-term care providers face supply shortages in coronavirus fight
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 19, 2020
Provider groups were eagerly awaiting guidance that ultimately came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday to help maximize personal protective equipment for those who need it...
Medicaid block grants will help address ‘looming cost crisis’ due to aging population, CMS says
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jan 31, 2020
The Medicaid block grant program announced Thursday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services won’t directly affect elderly and disabled beneficiaries, CMS Administrative Seema Verma said, but...
HHS says new rule allows healthcare workers, organizations to honor religious and moral principles in...
By
Lois A. Bowers
May 03, 2019
Individual healthcare workers as well as healthcare organizations can decline to provide care that conflicts with their religious and moral beliefs or mission under a final rule issued Thursday by the...
CMS issues new guidance on HCBS final rule, but provider concerns remain
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 25, 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday issued new guidance meant to clarify where Medicaid beneficiaries can receive home- and community-based services as defined in a 2014 regulation,...