In March 2020, life as we knew it changed due to COVID-19. Health care delivery altered dramatically to accommodate the virus. The pandemic disrupted normal routines of patients and providers. In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid … [Read more...] about COVID-19’s Impact on Beneficiary Rights – A Case Study Examining Medicare Coverage Exceeding 100 Days in a Skilled Nursing Facility
COVID-19
Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: CMS Data Not Plausible
On March 4, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended non-emergency inspections of health care facilities[1] and on March 20, CMS limited surveys to two types: targeted infection control surveys and … [Read more...] about Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: CMS Data Not Plausible
CMS Nursing Home Infection Survey Results Simply Aren’t Plausible
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 5, 2020On June 4, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released data on the number of nursing home residents who have died of COVID-19 – almost 32,000 people. We know that many more residents and … [Read more...] about CMS Nursing Home Infection Survey Results Simply Aren’t Plausible
How Many Nursing Home Residents Have Died of Covid-19?
On June 1, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that the 12,500 nursing facilities (approximately 80% of facilities nationwide) sending data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, as of May 24, … [Read more...] about How Many Nursing Home Residents Have Died of Covid-19?
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on CMS COVID-19 Rule
On June 1, 2020, the Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Interim Final Rule with Comment: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on CMS COVID-19 Rule
Podcast with Judy Stein: Moving Forward with COVID-19 and Medicare
Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judy Stein joins journalist Mark Miller on retirementrevised.com to discuss what the pandemic is teaching us about ways to improve Medicare.“The crisis has put a bright spotlight on weaknesses in many … [Read more...] about Podcast with Judy Stein: Moving Forward with COVID-19 and Medicare
CMS Rule: Nursing Facilities Must Report Covid-19 Data to CDC, Residents, Families and Representatives
In interim final rules that went into effect May 8, 2020,[1] the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing facilities, at least on a weekly basis, to report electronically to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … [Read more...] about CMS Rule: Nursing Facilities Must Report Covid-19 Data to CDC, Residents, Families and Representatives
State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual
Even as many states grant immunity from civil liability to nursing facilities for harm and death resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,[1] at least two state Attorneys General have announced that their offices have opened criminal investigations … [Read more...] about State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual
Research: Low-Income and Communities of Color at Increased Risk From COVID-19
Low-income, dually eligible beneficiaries, and health disparities based on racial inequalities and socio-economic factors, are central to the policy and advocacy work at the Center for Medicare Advocacy. These areas of concern are particularly … [Read more...] about Research: Low-Income and Communities of Color at Increased Risk From COVID-19
Case Study: Medicare Advantage and Repeated Coverage Denials Amid the COVID Crisis
Mr. A, is a retired professor from a state university. He was auto-enrolled in his state’s retiree Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The plan prospectus states that it covers an unlimited number of days in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).An … [Read more...] about Case Study: Medicare Advantage and Repeated Coverage Denials Amid the COVID Crisis