Healthcare, Senior Living, Economics
Later today, the Congressional Budget Office is set to release an updated “score” of the Affordable Care Act (PPACA) incorporating the decision of the Supreme Court. The fundamental reason for the update is the Court’s decision to invalidate a provision within the Act that would have penalized states via reduced federal Medicaid funding should one or more opt … Read more
Seems every day this month has been hot and dry – could use a break from the heat and definitely, some prolonged rain. Within the past couple of weeks, I’ve traveled “rural” a bit and as a result, I have a different perspective on what farmers and ranchers in the middle-section of the country are struggling … Read more
Every once in a while, I make a mistake (rare I think but others when asked, would convey a different sentiment). This gaff is really an omission; a missed thought from Friday’s post on “What’s Trending”. In reviewing my notes (the mess that they can be), I noticed I forgot to include a “watch” tip for … Read more
Back after a week of vacation (sort of) and then a week of scramble to catch up, here’s the latest that I am watching and that I find trending from readers and clients. Medicaid and Health Care Reform: Oddly, this has been a Medicaid week for me on a number of fronts. The Supreme Court decision … Read more
In my recent work and across recent discussions, phone conferences, etc., I’ve encountered a thematic trend; a circle of issues or as in reference to geese, perhaps a gaggle. Doing a bit of research and sifting through notes written over the past few weeks, here is what is trending. Pharmacy: In October of last year, … Read more
Last week I published a post regarding Medicare fraud that is occurring in the post-acute industry. The post is available at http://wp.me/ptUlY-ak . At the end, I indicated that I would provide a follow-up post; a closer piece more succinct on why the fraud trend is heating up and what the drivers for this trend are. In … Read more
What never ceases to amaze me is the amount of post-news discussion that occurs when certain issues rise to the front-page (or near the front page). Seemingly, industry side-liners awaken and look in disbelief that one major provider organization or another is again, embroiled in some OIG investigation, lawsuit or official inquiry concerning their Medicare … Read more
In response to a recent series of questions from multiple segments of the health care and post-acute industry plus my own experiences within the landscape of providers and policy makers, I’ve summarized a current list of policy trends “pay attention to”. Medicare Cuts and the Super Committee: Nothing seems to loom larger or cast a … Read more
Not too long ago I wrote a post for SNFs regarding “what to do” in preparation for October 1 rate reductions. Since then, I’ve fielded inquiries galore from all kinds of providers looking into a future that likely includes Medicare and certainly, Medicaid rate/payment reductions. In most cases, the answer that I provide is clearly … Read more
OK, the title is a bit wordy and trust me, I could have included more “posts” but I think I got the point across. First, I’ll admit to having a crystal ball however, the picture I see is a bit like the first (and only) television set I remember having as a kid: Not in … Read more