Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final public charge immigration rule that greatly improves protections for immigrant families. We thank the Biden Administration for confirming in the final rule that eligible immigrant … [Read more...] about Final Public Charge Rule Greatly Improves Protections for Immigrant Families
Weekly Alert
OIG Report: Telehealth Services Need Targeted Oversight to Safeguard Medicare
More than 40% of Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth services during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] In a recent report, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) described ways to “best protect Medicare and beneficiaries against … [Read more...] about OIG Report: Telehealth Services Need Targeted Oversight to Safeguard Medicare
CMS and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Address Illegal Debt Collection Practices of Nursing Facilities
On September 8, 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) held a field hearing on debt collection practices by nursing facilities and their debt collectors. The hearing featured a panel of experts, followed by individuals who described … [Read more...] about CMS and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Address Illegal Debt Collection Practices of Nursing Facilities
Private Equity and Nursing Facilities: A Bad Combination for Residents
Two new reports document the negative effects of private equity ownership on nursing home quality. Is It Private Equity? We Can’t See; Federal Database on Owners of Nursing Homes Is Incomplete and Out-of-Compliance with the Law,[1] a September 1, … [Read more...] about Private Equity and Nursing Facilities: A Bad Combination for Residents
Center Submits Comments on 2022 Medicare Physician’s Fee Schedule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. It included a proposal to broaden reimbursement for medically necessary dental services and sought comments on … [Read more...] about Center Submits Comments on 2022 Medicare Physician’s Fee Schedule
Center Comments on Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage
The following is an excerpt from our full comments on the 2022 Physician's Fee Schedule.II.L. Proposals and Request for Information on Medicare Parts A and B Payment for Dental ServicesI. … [Read more...] about Center Comments on Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage
Elder Justice “No Harm” Newsletter | Vol 4, Issue 4 Now Available
In the Elder Justice Newsletter, we highlight citations, including deficiencies related to abuse, neglect, and substandard care, that have been identified as not causing any resident harm. The goal of this brief newsletter is to shed light on the … [Read more...] about Elder Justice “No Harm” Newsletter | Vol 4, Issue 4 Now Available
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Wants to Hear about Nursing Home Debt Collection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced that on September 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. ET, Director Rohit Chopra “will host a virtual discussion with advocates, service providers, community leaders, and members of the public to explore … [Read more...] about Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Wants to Hear about Nursing Home Debt Collection
CMS Authorizes New Waivers of Nurse Aide Training Requirements for Nursing Facilities
The Center for Medicare Advocacy is concerned that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is undermining one of the key innovations of the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law – the requirement that all nurse aides, who provide most of the … [Read more...] about CMS Authorizes New Waivers of Nurse Aide Training Requirements for Nursing Facilities
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments re: Medicare Advantage
As discussed in a previous CMA Alert (Aug. 22, 2022), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Request for Information (RFI) that “seeks input from the public regarding various aspects of the Medicare Advantage program. … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments re: Medicare Advantage