Medicare News and Research

RSS

First Edition: July 15, 2011

In today's news -- the debt-ceiling strategy appears to move toward a "plan B."

15 Jul 2011

CMS actuary offers bleak picture for Medicare solvency

During congressional testimony, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chief Actuary Richard Foster also offered dark predictions for hospitals' future profitability.

15 Jul 2011

Seniors step up efforts to protect against cuts to Medicare

First, AARP tried to convey disappointment. In May, the group launched a TV ad warning that Congress might try to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a deal to raise the national debt ceiling.

15 Jul 2011

Medicaid cuts raise physician ire in Puerto Rico

Also in Medicaid news: In Alabama, an examination of pharmacy receipts leads to reduced costs. But in Texas, some hospital systems are bracing for the impact of Medicaid cuts currently under discussion in the debt-ceiling talks.

15 Jul 2011

Tempers flare in debt-ceiling talks as deadline looms

The hot questions now are which of the nation's financial obligations would be paid and what would be left to default if the current negotiations fail to result in a deal. President Barack Obama would be forced to choose from among Social Security checks, salaries for members of the military and veterans, unemployment benefits and many other government programs.

15 Jul 2011

HFA develops free online webinar, 'Addressing Cultural Diversity in Hospice Care'

The Hospice Foundation of America has developed "Addressing Cultural Diversity in Hospice Care," a free online webinar that looks at how, and why, different cultures may, or may not, utilize hospice.

15 Jul 2011

Software, No World Borders partner to provide healthcare solutions

No World Borders, Inc., a leading healthcare consulting company, announced that it formed a partnership with Software AG, a global company traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange with over $2.6 billion in market capitalization.

15 Jul 2011

The focus on bringing down IPAB

On Capitol Hill this week, the health law's independent payment advisory panel drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was on hand to absorb some of the attacks and answer some of the questions.

15 Jul 2011

Viewpoints: Teaching hospital cuts; Medicare & debt deal politics; end-of-life care

Teaching hospitals educate the next generation of physicians—who are clearly essential for our future. But the importance of academic medical centers and teaching hospitals goes far beyond delivering care.

15 Jul 2011

First Edition: July 14, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about how tempers are flaring in the midst of debt-ceiling negotiations, and how failure to reach an agreement could lead to tough choices about which of the nation's obligations will be left unpaid.

14 Jul 2011

Eli Lilly makes charitable contribution to Patient Advocate Foundation

Eli Lilly and Company announced that it has made a charitable contribution to the Patient Advocate Foundation.

14 Jul 2011

Hopes dim for debt-limit deal

As President Barack Obama issued dire warnings about what will happen if lawmakers fail to raise the debt ceiling, one GOP leader advanced a "last-choice option" to avoid the consequences of failing to come to terms on a deficit-reduction package. Meanwhile, other news outlets offer advice on how to break the impasse.

14 Jul 2011

Sebelius takes to the Hill to defend IPAB

During a Capitol Hill hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius criticized the House-passed budget plan and its Medicare provisions and also defended the potential effectiveness and constitutionality of the health law's Independent Payment Advisory Board.

14 Jul 2011

Feds stepping up action on medical scooter fraud

The federal government is cracking down on medical-equipment providers who either overcharge Medicare for motorized wheelchairs or obtain them for people who don't need them, Medicare and Justice Department records show.

14 Jul 2011

Health interests dislike proposed Medicare and Medicaid cuts

While lawmakers continue efforts to come to terms in the debt-ceiling negotiations, health interests ranging from public and teaching hospitals to the drug industry are making their positions known.

14 Jul 2011

HMS receives Maine contract to perform hospital, long term care financial reviews

HMS, a wholly owned subsidiary of HMS Holdings Corp., today announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to perform hospital and long term care credit balance reviews and cost of care recoveries on behalf of the state's MaineCare program.

14 Jul 2011

Home health care payments under scrutiny — in debt talks and newly released payment rules

One GOP governor has asked his Republican colleagues in Congress to reject debt-ceiling proposals that would cut home health services while recently released rules will further squeeze corporate margins.

14 Jul 2011

Teva acquires Taiyo

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of effectively 100% of the outstanding shares of Taiyo Pharmaceutical Industry Co. Ltd. for $934 million in cash.

14 Jul 2011

Political fault lines in budget discussion

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., appears to be trying to push President Barack Obama in one direction and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is standing firm on Obama's left. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is taking a go-big-or-go-home position on the need to reach a "grand deal" on entitlement cuts and revenue raisers.

14 Jul 2011

Capsules: Tauzin: Home health care is 'not an elective thing'

Today from the Capsules blog: Mary Agnes Carey reports that former House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin has some advice for Republicans who want Medicare beneficiaries to pick up part of the tab for home health services: It won't work.

14 Jul 2011