Healthcare, Senior Living, Economics
Heading into round 2 of a three round debate format (tonight), I think its time to put a few core concepts on paper (or e-media in this case) for folks to remember about this political season. My role or task here is not to be partisan (your decision suffices on this front) but to be … Read more
Probably the biggest trend as of late is my tardiness in getting these posts out on-time…sorry. My end of the week (last week) got distorted as I needed to attend a meeting with regard to a Medicaid shift in Kansas from fee-for-service to “managed”. As I have been through these conversions or switches before, it’s … Read more
A frequent, recurring question that I field, especially for CCRCs and seniors housing providers is “what” financial feasibility tests are most important before a project is started or for that matter, financed. Given that capital is still relatively tight, project feasibility and key financial tests are today, critically important to assure the best financing terms available … Read more
Literally fresh off of a significant rate adjustment/reduction in October (2011), Medpac (the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission) releases a recommendation for complete SNF payment overhaul. In their assessment of the SNF payment system under Medicare, Medpac concludes the following; Medicare payments to SNFs represent 23% of all revenues. Medicare (payer) as a share of SNF patient … 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
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
On December 31st of this year, enhancements made to the Medicaid FMAP (Federal matching dollars) via the ARRA (Stimulus or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) are set to evaporate. In a series of bills and other legislative initiatives throughout the spring and early summer, Congress has failed to extend funding to prevent the evaporation of … Read more
In previous posts I’ve written about the need for providers in all industry sectors to fully understand the compliance and legal risks that are inherent to the appropriate industry sector, as well as to health care today in general. As someone who has been immersed in health care operations and health policy for the past … Read more
In another procedural vote on the revamped Jobs bill in the Senate, Democrats fell short of mustering 60 votes to end a Republican filibuster, effectively ending for now, legislative efforts to extend unemployment benefits. The vote count was 57 to 41 to continue debate. Dying with the extension of unemployment benefits are a series of … Read more