August 19, 2013Senate Finance Committee House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means United States CongressSubmitted electronically to: postacutecarereform@finance.senate.gov and postacutecarereform@mail.house.govRe: Comments … [Read more...] about Comments on Post Acute Care (PAC) Reform Proposals
Article
Letter to Ways & Means Committee re: Cost Sharing Proposals
August 16, 2013 Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health U.S. House of Representatives 1102 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Committee Member: On behalf of the Leadership … [Read more...] about Letter to Ways & Means Committee re: Cost Sharing Proposals
Demise of DOMA: Implementing Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States found a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. See U.S. v. Windsor, Executor of the Estate of Spyer, et al (No. 12–307).[1] In its ruling, the Court … [Read more...] about Demise of DOMA: Implementing Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Observation Status: OIG Provides an Analysis and CMS Issues Final Regulations
Joining the discussion about hospitals' extended use of observation status, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a memorandum report that describes the nationwide use of observation and … [Read more...] about Observation Status: OIG Provides an Analysis and CMS Issues Final Regulations
Observation Status: “Morphed Into Madness”
Although a large and increasing number of Senators and Representatives now support bipartisan legislation to solve the problem of Observation Status, many beneficiaries and their families continue to face this outpatient status as a barrier to … [Read more...] about Observation Status: “Morphed Into Madness”
Letter to Inspector General Regarding Suspension of Antipsychotics Investigation
July 26, 2013Daniel R. Levinson Inspector General Department of Health and Human Services 330 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201Submitted ElectronicallyDear Mr. Levinson:A report today that your office has … [Read more...] about Letter to Inspector General Regarding Suspension of Antipsychotics Investigation
Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Next week, Medicare celebrates its 48thbirthday. Since 1965 Medicare has been a critical source of health and economic security for generations of Americans while evolving to meet the needs of those who rely on the successful program. Medicare … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Created in 1956, the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)[1] provides modest but essential support to 14 million working-age individuals with disabilities and children.[2] Recently, the SSDI program has come under attack by … [Read more...] about Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Fact Sheet – Observation Stays Deny Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare beneficiaries are being denied access to Medicare’s skilled nursing facility (SNF) benefit because acute care hospitals are increasingly classifying their patients as “outpatients” receiving observation services, rather … [Read more...] about Fact Sheet – Observation Stays Deny Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Skilled Nursing Facility Care
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Five years ago this month, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)[1] became law. Since then, MIPPA has successfully increased enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program and helped ensure that thousands of Medicare … [Read more...] about The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later