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...
Vaccination, labor availability ‘critical’ to restoring occupancy, performance: Omega
By
Lois A. Bowers
Nov 08, 2021
The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has helped stem the spread and adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but senior living operators continue to battle with increasing costs driven by the scarcity...
Senior living braces for changes in 2020 as top challenges remain
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jan 02, 2020
As 2020 begins, the senior living industry is preparing for the changing needs and wants of current and future residents as workforce and occupancy issues continue to challenge operators, according to...
Big senior living stories of 2019
By
Lois A. Bowers
Dec 23, 2019
Here’s a look at some of the news that occupied many minds in senior living over the past year.
‘Replace denial with proposal’ on long-term care, House committee told
By
Lois A. Bowers
Nov 15, 2019
Congress must “replace denial with a detailed, bipartisan legislative proposal on long-term care” to address the needs of a growing older population facing high costs for healthcare and housing, Robert...
Flexibility resulting from Medicare changes could be good for some, CEO says
By
Lois A. Bowers
Oct 07, 2019
The devil is in the details, as the saying goes, but President Trump’s call for changes to the Medicare program could mean some good things for senior living residents and the providers who serve them,...
Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen talks about recession, minimum wage, immigration, entitlements and ‘root...
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 13, 2019
Janet Yellen hit on numerous topics Thursday in the opening session of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care Fall Conference.
Philip Esformes sentenced to 20 years in prison in healthcare fraud case
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 12, 2019
Former Florida assisted living and skilled nursing facility owner Philip Esformes has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a case that the federal government continues to describe as “the...
Affiliations pose risk to Medicaid, Medicare participation under new CMS rule
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 06, 2019
Under a final rule issued Thursday, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can deny or revoke Medicaid and Medicare program enrollment from providers and suppliers if an owner or manager is directly...
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.