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
Skilled Nursing Facility
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?
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
GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”
In “Infection Control Deficiencies Were Widespread and Persistent in Nursing Homes Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic,”[1] the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that 82% of nursing facilities nationwide were cited with infection control … [Read more...] about GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”
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
New CMA Report – Nursing Home Industry Seeks Immunity During COVID Crisis; States Are Obliging
In response to coronavirus pandemic, the nursing home industry is seeking broad immunity from COVID-related harm. Through executive orders and state legislation, Governors and states are rapidly granting immunity to various health care … [Read more...] about New CMA Report – Nursing Home Industry Seeks Immunity During COVID Crisis; States Are Obliging
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
CMA Special Report – Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: It Looks Like Business as Usual
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended the regular survey system for nursing facilities during the COVID-19 crisis, it reported that, for a three-week prioritization period (beginning March 20) and since … [Read more...] about CMA Special Report – Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: It Looks Like Business as Usual