The Center for Medicare Advocacy wishes our community peace and joy in the new year. We know the last year was not easy for so many, and we appreciate the interest and support you have shown despite these challenges. Our strength comes from our … [Read more...] about Happy New Year from the Center for Medicare Advocacy
Archives for December 2021
CMS Revises November Visitation Guidance after Nursing Home Industry Calls on CMS to Allow Facilities to “Limit, Restrict, or Prohibit Visitors”
While researchers in Canada report that nursing home residents without contact with family or friends during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly more likely to die than residents who had contact with family or friends, the nursing home industry … [Read more...] about CMS Revises November Visitation Guidance after Nursing Home Industry Calls on CMS to Allow Facilities to “Limit, Restrict, or Prohibit Visitors”
New Fact Sheet Addresses Dental/Oral Health in Management of Kidney Disease
In collaboration with Larry Coffee, DDS, the Center has issued a new fact sheet that offers important oral health tips for persons living with kidney disease. Dental Issues Related to Kidney Disease is the latest in a series of fact sheets explaining … [Read more...] about New Fact Sheet Addresses Dental/Oral Health in Management of Kidney Disease
Remembering Edith Prague, an Advocates’ Advocate
Connecticut lost a titan of aging and health care rights this month with the passing of Edith Prague. Commissioner Prague was a long- time friend of the Center for Medicare Advocacy in her time serving as a Representative in the Connecticut House of … [Read more...] about Remembering Edith Prague, an Advocates’ Advocate
CMA Alert | December 16, 2021
CMA Home Health Survey | Medicare Beneficiaries Likely Misinformed and UnderservedA survey conducted by the Center for Medicare Advocacy over the past year indicates that home health aide services are not available in an amount even approaching … [Read more...] about CMA Alert | December 16, 2021
Vaccination of Nursing Home Staff Correlated with Fewer Cases and Deaths among Residents
Analyzing vaccination rates among staff in nursing facilities as of June 13, 2021, researchers find that nursing facilities with the lowest quartile (25%) staff vaccination rates had higher numbers of cases and deaths among residents than nursing … [Read more...] about Vaccination of Nursing Home Staff Correlated with Fewer Cases and Deaths among Residents
CMS Will Now Post All Civil Money Penalties Imposed Against Nursing Facilities
In response to questions from reporters, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stated it will now publicly post all civil money penalties imposed against nursing facilities, whether or not the fines have been paid. Until now, … [Read more...] about CMS Will Now Post All Civil Money Penalties Imposed Against Nursing Facilities
Build Back Better Act: House and Senate Nursing Home Provisions Compared
The Build Back Better Act is currently under consideration in the Senate after being passed in the House of Representatives in November. Over the weekend, on December 11, the Senate Finance Committee released its draft language for the reconciliation … [Read more...] about Build Back Better Act: House and Senate Nursing Home Provisions Compared
CMA Home Health Survey | Medicare Beneficiaries Likely Misinformed and Underserved
Home health services as authorized by Medicare law, regulations, and policies[1] are too often unavailable in practice. For example, for patients who meet qualifying criteria, Medicare law authorizes up to 28 to 35 hours a week of home health aide … [Read more...] about CMA Home Health Survey | Medicare Beneficiaries Likely Misinformed and Underserved
CMA Alert | December 9, 2021
GUEST POST: Jimmo Enforced, Preventive & Maintenance Therapy AffirmedBy John Marmarou, DPT, MSCS - Executive Director, Total Rehab & FitnessFor the last 15 years, all of my professional work and efforts have been devoted to keeping … [Read more...] about CMA Alert | December 9, 2021