On September 23, a federal judge in Connecticut dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the National Senior Citizens Law Center on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries who have been placed on "observation … [Read more...] about Disappointing Decision from Court in Challenge to “Observation Status” Highlights Need to Pass Legislation
Weekly Alert
Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Concludes Its Work
Five Commissioners, Including the Center for Medicare Advocacy's Judith Stein, Present Alternate Recommendations September 19, 2013 The federal Commission on Long-Term Care was created by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the … [Read more...] about Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Concludes Its Work
Debunking Nursing Home Myths about Quality of Care and Enforcement of Federal Care Standards
As policymakers in Washington, DC and beyond continue a national discussion about the state of long-term care in the United States, a critical component of the discussion is the quality of care provided in nursing homes across the … [Read more...] about Debunking Nursing Home Myths about Quality of Care and Enforcement of Federal Care Standards
Observation Status Round Up
While Observation Status continues, recent weeks have seen a great increase in awareness of the problem. In addition, support for legislation to end Observation Status has grown rapidly. What is Observation Status? Observation Status … [Read more...] about Observation Status Round Up
Observation Status: New Final Rules from CMS Do Not Help Medicare Beneficiaries
Effective October 1, 2013, new rules for inpatient hospital reimbursement under the Medicare program[1] make final two sets of proposed rules that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published in the Spring 2013 – the … [Read more...] about Observation Status: New Final Rules from CMS Do Not Help Medicare Beneficiaries
CMA to Congress about Medicare Proposals: Protect Beneficiaries, Improve Access to Care
Post-Acute Care Post-acute care refers to a range of services that support the individual’s continued recovery from illness or injury, or management of a chronic illness or disability. On June 19, 2013 the House Ways and Means … [Read more...] about CMA to Congress about Medicare Proposals: Protect Beneficiaries, Improve Access to Care
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”
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!