AARP’s COVID-19 Dashboard shows an alarming increase in COVID-19 infections among nursing home residents and staff during the four weeks ending August 20, 2023, with cases doubling and deaths increasing by 80%, compared to the previous four weeks. … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Is Increasing Among Nursing Home Residents and Staff
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Information on New COVID Vaccines for Fall 2023
On September 11, the FDA approved and authorized for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are formulated to more closely target COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating. The CDC recommends everyone … [Read more...] about Information on New COVID Vaccines for Fall 2023
Senate Finance Committee Confirms Medicare Home Health Coverage Can Be Long-Term
At a September 19, 2023 hearing, held by the Subcommittee on Health Care of the Senate Finance Committee and entitled “Aging in Place: The Vital Role of Home Health and Access to Care,” Subcommittee Chair Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D – MD) confirmed … [Read more...] about Senate Finance Committee Confirms Medicare Home Health Coverage Can Be Long-Term
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Physician Fee Schedule Rule
On August 7, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule titled “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2024 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Physician Fee Schedule Rule
Gallup Poll Finds Americans Give Nursing Homes a “D+” Grade for Quality
A new poll by Gallup, conducted between July 5-24, 2023, finds that “most U.S. adults would be reluctant to admit a relative to a nursing home.” Survey respondents give nursing home quality an average grade of "D+", with 36% saying quality is poor, … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll Finds Americans Give Nursing Homes a “D+” Grade for Quality
Spotlight on the Importance of Medigap
As Medicare’s Open Enrollment period – also known as the Annual Election Period or Annual Coordinated Election Period – approaches, the Center for Medicare Advocacy is spotlighting issues beneficiaries should consider as they make important decisions … [Read more...] about Spotlight on the Importance of Medigap
Center Comments on Proposed Clarification of Dental Services
The 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule includes a proposal to clarify reimbursement for dental services necessary to the clinical success of certain cancer treatments. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has drafted … [Read more...] about Center Comments on Proposed Clarification of Dental Services
Meaningful Nurse Staffing Ratios in Nursing Homes: If Not Now, When?
COVID-19 caused the deaths of more than 200,000 nursing home residents and staff members. The extraordinarily high number of deaths – nearly 20% of the COVID-19 deaths nationwide were nursing home residents although residents constitute only 0.0006% … [Read more...] about Meaningful Nurse Staffing Ratios in Nursing Homes: If Not Now, When?
Join Your CMA Community For A Jimmo Symposium
Jimmo v. Sebelius at 10 Years: A Call for Sustainable ImplementationMake Your Voices HeardWednesday, September 27 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM ETIn 2013, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and Vermont Legal Aid along with additional counsel provided … [Read more...] about Join Your CMA Community For A Jimmo Symposium
A Chaotic Week in Nursing Home Reform
As resident and industry advocates alike awaited proposed rules on nurse staffing ratios for nursing facilities – a centerpiece of President Biden’s nursing home reform agenda – a report on nurse staffing written by Abt Associates, which was expected … [Read more...] about A Chaotic Week in Nursing Home Reform