More than one-third of all people who have died from COVID-19 have been nursing home residents, although residents account for less than .05% of the country’s population.[1] During the pandemic, the federal government waived many longstanding … [Read more...] about Center Report: Billions of Dollars to Nursing Homes in Covid-19 Relief
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ACA Celebrates 11th Anniversary with Expansions in Enrollment and Coverage
March 23rd marked the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Fortunately, the anniversary was greeted with support for, and recent expansions of, the law.This week The New York Times reported that more than 200,000 Americans sought … [Read more...] about ACA Celebrates 11th Anniversary with Expansions in Enrollment and Coverage
Reminder: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Ends March 31st
People who began 2021 enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan have an additional opportunity to switch MA plans or disenroll from an MA plan and enroll in traditional Medicare with a Part D plan during the first 3 months of the calendar year, … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Ends March 31st
Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Covid-19 and Nursing Homes
Three clear themes emerged at the February 17 hearing held by the Senate Finance Committee – “A National Tragedy: COVID-19 in the Nation’s Nursing Homes”[1] – understaffing, health equity and the disparate impact of the pandemic on communities of … [Read more...] about Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Covid-19 and Nursing Homes
Assisted Living and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Over the years, federal policy has sought to accommodate people’s preference to avoid nursing homes, if possible. Programs such as Money Follows the Person and various “rebalancing” initiatives have enabled older people and people with … [Read more...] about Assisted Living and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Policy-Makers Should Review Overpayments to Medicare Advantage when Considering Medicare Fiscal Solvency
In the past, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) annual release of proposed Medicare Advantage (MA) payment rates triggered a yearly ritual on Capitol Hill – the insurance industry rounded up support from lawmakers, getting … [Read more...] about Policy-Makers Should Review Overpayments to Medicare Advantage when Considering Medicare Fiscal Solvency
Harmful “Public Charge” Rule Blocked Nationwide
The so-called “public Charge” rule allowed officials to deny permanent legal residence (green cards) to immigrants who had received or who were deemed likely to need assistance from government programs, such as most forms of Medicaid and SNAP (food … [Read more...] about Harmful “Public Charge” Rule Blocked Nationwide
New Aging Documentary March 24, 2021
Sponsored in part by The John A. Hartford FoundationOur partners at The John A. Hartford Foundation along with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation are pleased to announce a powerful new documentary, FAST-FORWARD, debuting … [Read more...] about New Aging Documentary March 24, 2021
Special Report | Nursing Facilities Have Received Billions of Dollars in Direct Financial and Non-Financial Support During Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has taken an enormous toll on nursing home residents and staff. Since the beginning of the pandemic and as of the end of February 2021, nursing facilities have reported that at least 640,271 residents and 552,660 staff … [Read more...] about Special Report | Nursing Facilities Have Received Billions of Dollars in Direct Financial and Non-Financial Support During Coronavirus Pandemic
New CMS Guidance Allows Visitors in Nursing Homes
On March 10, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that all nursing home residents can have visitors indoors: “Facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents (regardless of vaccination … [Read more...] about New CMS Guidance Allows Visitors in Nursing Homes