The first COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) was passed on January 31, 2020.[1] Almost two-and-a-half years later, over one million people have lost their lives to the infectious disease, and the nation is still struggling to emerge from the … [Read more...] about As Interstate Telehealth Emergency Licensure Waivers Expire, Study Examines Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries
COVID-19
An Exploration of the Pandemic’s Full Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities from March to December 2020
The United States is on track to hit a grim COVID-19 milestone. Soon, over one million people will have lost their lives to the pandemic.[1],[2] While daily death rates have fallen, the average number of daily cases is back on the rise – increasing … [Read more...] about An Exploration of the Pandemic’s Full Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities from March to December 2020
Fewer Residents Died from COVID in Unionized Nursing Homes
An observational study of 13,350 nursing homes between June 8, 2020 and March 21, 2021 finds that facilities with unionized workers were associated with a 10.8% lower COVID-19 mortality rate among residents and a 6.8% lower COVID-19 infection rate … [Read more...] about Fewer Residents Died from COVID in Unionized Nursing Homes
Medicare Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID Tests
On April 4, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a press release announcing that people with Medicare Part B – including those in Medicare Advantage plans – can get up to eight free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per … [Read more...] about Medicare Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID Tests
Nearly Twice as Many Black COVID-19 Patients Categorized as Lowest Priority Group for Scarce Resources as Use of Crisis Standards of Care was Considered
At various times during the COVID-19 pandemic, including surges produced by the Delta and Omicron variants, hospitals around the nation experienced tremendous strain, creating a shortage of beds[1] and other resources such as staffing and medical … [Read more...] about Nearly Twice as Many Black COVID-19 Patients Categorized as Lowest Priority Group for Scarce Resources as Use of Crisis Standards of Care was Considered
Study: Medicare Beneficiaries with Dementia Died at Higher Rates During COVID-19 Pandemic
While the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, especially for those 65 and older,[1] a new study published in JAMA Neurology concludes that Medicare enrollees suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) died at … [Read more...] about Study: Medicare Beneficiaries with Dementia Died at Higher Rates During COVID-19 Pandemic
Case Against Nursing Facility Alleging Negligence and Wrongful Death From COVID-19 Affirmed to Belong in State Court
Ricardo Saldana died at Glenhaven Healthcare in California on April 13, 2020, allegedly from COVID-19. Four surviving family members sued the nursing facility in California Superior Court, alleging that the facility failed to protect … [Read more...] about Case Against Nursing Facility Alleging Negligence and Wrongful Death From COVID-19 Affirmed to Belong in State Court
New Study: COVID-19-Related Discrimination Impacted All Racial/Ethnic Minorities
As the coronavirus swept through the nation, reports surfaced that Asian and Black Americans were experiencing increased discrimination. According to a Pew Research Center article published in 2020, 40 percent of Black and Asian adults noted that if … [Read more...] about New Study: COVID-19-Related Discrimination Impacted All Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Disabilities Linked to Longer Stays & Greater Risk of Readmission
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that people with disabilities hospitalized with COVID-19 had longer hospital stays and a greater risk of readmission when compared to those without disabilities.[1] … [Read more...] about Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Disabilities Linked to Longer Stays & Greater Risk of Readmission
New York Nursing Homes Suing the State Received Federal Provider Relief Funds
Last week, the Center for Medicare Advocacy (Center) issued a Report about New York State nursing facilities and their trade associations that sued their State to prevent implementation of a new State law requiring them to spend 70% of their revenues … [Read more...] about New York Nursing Homes Suing the State Received Federal Provider Relief Funds