Medicare Transparency Could Be Coming Soon
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that after 33 years, Judge Marcia Morales Howard vacated the injunction that kept Medicare information private. Full Story
Medicare
Medicare Solvency Extended
The Medicare Trustees reported encouraging news for seniors: the program is projected to retain its solvency for two years longer than was predicted in 2012. Full Story
Medicare Costs Decline
USA Today reported that new payment plans, improved efficiency and a move toward consumer-driven insurance plans adopted and accelerated by the 2010 health care law will continue to force down overall Medicare costs, according to industry analysts and studies, even as the economy continues to improve. Full Story
Trustees Report Shows There is Little Reassuring About the News On Medicare or Disability
There were no big surprises in the release of the Trustees’ Reports on Medicare and Social Security last week, but the current trends are concern enough. There is little reassuring about the news on Medicare or for people who rely on disability benefits. Full Story
Permanent SGR Fix Moves One Giant Step Closer to Reality
Congress implemented the sustainable growth rate formula cap, or SGR, in 1997 to control increases in Medicare payments to physicians. Since 2002, however, annual Medicare spending on physician services has exceeded the SGR, so physicians have faced payment cuts. Full Story
Bard Whistleblower Awarded $10.1 Million
C.R. Bard Inc., a medical device company based in New Jersey, has agreed to pay the United States $48.26 million to resolve claims that it knowingly caused false claims to be submitted to the Medicare. Full Story
OIG Recommends Monthly Screenings for Excluded Individuals
The Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) has posted updated guidance regarding healthcare providers employing or contracting with individuals who have been excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs. Full Story
REITs Are the New Slum Lords
The Wall St. Journal reported that “some of the nation’s largest health-care landlords are pulling back from nursing homes on concerns they will be less profitable in an era of steep Medicare and Medicaid cuts.” Full Story
A Window into Hospital Charges – Medicare Releases Data On Charges and Reimbursements
On Wednesday, Medicare released on extensive spreadsheet documenting the average hospital charges and associated Medicare payments for 100 most common Medicare inpatient services. Full Story
National Elder Law Month: What Does Medicare Cover for Nursing Homes?
As part of National Elder Law Month, our North Carolina elder law attorneys are providing a series of posts to help educate senior citizens and their loved ones who care for them about their legal options. Full Story
