Comedian Dana Carvey To Be A Special Guest At "Controversies And Advances" Symposium For Heart Specialists Aug 27, 2008
Dr. McClellan is a physician and economist, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Topic: "Health Care Policy in an Election Year.". (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Clarke poverty rate down slightly Aug 27, 2008
Gov. Sonny Perdue is planning smaller cuts for schools, Medicaid and PeachCare than in other areas, but must cut them because they are a large part of the state budget, spokesman Bert Brantley said. "If you start to exclude areas of the budget that are off-limits, that can't be cut, you have to make deeper cuts elsewhere," Brantley said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Aug 27, 2008
In 1998, amid mounting evidence that nicotine is addictive, the tobacco industry agreed to the landmark $246 billion settlement in exchange for a promise by state attorneys general to drop lawsuits aimed at forcing the industry to pay for smoking-related health costs incurred through Medicaid. Around the same time, internal documents extracted from cigarette companies through lawsuits revealed that light cigarettes -- marketed to more health-conscious smokers since the early 1970s -- often... (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Uninsured numbers unchanged Aug 27, 2008
The census report pointed out that 25 percent of Idahoans had some form of government health coverage in 2007 -- Medicaid, Medicare or the military program -- and 10 percent of people under 65 purchased their own medical insurance. The Census Bureau also estimated the poverty rate for 2006-2007 at 9. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
U.S. Census Bureau: Ranks of uninsured fell in '07 Aug 27, 2008
While the number of people covered by private health insurance nationally declined slightly, the number of residents covered by government health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, increased in 2007 ... More aging baby boomers enrolled in Medicare coverage in 2007 and more lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid coverage. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
State cites 2 nursing homes in Rome Aug 27, 2008
Stonehedge in 2002 was denied Medicaid and Medicare payments for new residents because of deficiencies. It also was cited for numerous violations, including failing to notify a doctor of a resident who had unstable vital signs, according to reports from the Utica O-D.. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Senior Notes Aug 27, 2008
If wills and trusts, estate planning, Medicaid or VA benefits are confusing, then join the Steelmans of United Financial Services as they discuss these important topics and answer questions. The Steelman family will also provide lunch to the first 40 registered participants. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Economy may stall push for health care Aug 27, 2008
Last year, 26 states expanded eligibility for Medicaid, a program for low-income residents, Rowland says ... 3 million last year, while enrollment in state Medicaid programs grew by the same amount ... Many, including Oklahoma and Louisiana, expanded Medicaid to cover children in families earning up to 250% of poverty, or $44,000 for a family of three. (USA Today)
Statehouse Roundup -- MBTA tops slow news week Aug 27, 2008
As of last Friday, the state has received five extensions to its Medicaid waiver, with the feds poised to cut $650 million annually from the state's health care funding request. The big-casino negotiations with the federal government hold enormous implications for not just the health insurance expansion, but also the fiscal 2009 budget, which would be knocked off its feet by the state's failure to net the full amount. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Medicare faulted on audits for fraud Aug 26, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had estimated a rate of 7 ... Timothy Hill, chief financial officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said reviewing claims is one way the agency detects fraud. (Boston Globe)
The Bush-McCain tax plan Aug 26, 2008
Maybe McCain will cut Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid to balance his budget. McCain like Bush wants to privatize Social Security. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Busted budgets raise ire of GOP base Aug 26, 2008
3 percent of GDP that the federal government consumes won t cover interest on debt, Social Security and Medicaid, he says, with accompanying charts. Can he win the Senate race. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Medicare Ignored Its Claims Policy, Audit Says Aug 26, 2008
Instead, AdvanceMed had "discretion" not to do so, said Timothy Hill, chief financial officer and director of the Office of Financial Management at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that manages Medicare. A November 2006 report on the error rate appeared to contradict Mr. Hill's statement. (Wall Street Journal)
Hood will not defend governors Medicaid plan Aug 26, 2008
Hood will not defend governors Medicaid plan ... Attorney General Jim Hood said today he will not defend Gov. Haley Barbours latest plan to pay for Medicaid as the case goes before a Hinds County judge this week ... A group of hospitals is challenging Barbours proposal to raise their taxes, cut Medicaid services and replace the cuts with federal money associated with the health care program. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Aug 26, 2008
In 1998, amid mounting evidence that nicotine is addictive, the tobacco industry agreed to the landmark $246 billion settlement in exchange for a promise by state attorneys general to drop lawsuits aimed at forcing the industry to pay for smoking-related health costs incurred through Medicaid. Around the same time, internal documents extracted from cigarette companies through lawsuits revealed that light cigarettes -- marketed to more health-conscious smokers since the early 1970s -- often... (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Dems cut through the issues as party opens local post Aug 26, 2008
I'm one of the people who was cut from Medicaid, Auxvasse resident Marylin Morard said. I'm a low-income, single parent trying to raise three boys and have chronic health problems that have just been devastating. (Fulton Sun, MO)
CongressNow: Possibilities Abound for Obama Cabinet Aug 26, 2008
With their experience running the federal- state Medicaid program, several Democratic governors could be strong candidates, including Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Phil Bredesen of Tennessee. Bredesen is a former health care executive, although as governor he trimmed state-funded health programs not an ideal signal for a Democratic HHS candidate to send. (Roll Call)
CongressNow: Obama’s Health Plan Borrows Clinton’s Ideas Aug 26, 2008
Instead, Obama will push a federal effort that would guarantee coverage for all children by targeting those not covered by Medicaid or other federal health insurance programs. Regardless of who wins in November, Clinton will have a lead role in shaping the health care debate on Capitol Hill. (Roll Call)
Medicare officials underestimated improper payments - Report Aug 26, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which manages the Medicare program, was not immediately available for comments. (Reporting by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty in Bangalore). (Reuters)
SBI probing patient's death Aug 26, 2008
Noelle Talley, spokeswoman for Attorney General Roy Cooper, said two SBI agents sent to the hospital are from the attorney general's Medicaid Investigations Unit -- a team of lawyers, investigators and auditors that reviews and prosecutes allegations of physical abuse of patients in facilities that receive Medicaid money ... Federal officials have cited Cherry for serious deficiencies in the care of both Sabock and Luciano, and have threatened to cut off millions in Medicaid and Medicare... (News & Observer)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Aug 26, 2008
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Fifth health care extension approved, talks drag on Aug 26, 2008
A spokesman for the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services confirmed Friday afternoon that the federal government has approved the state's fifth request for an extension of its sweeping Medicaid waiver, which governs allowable reimbursements to the state for health care spending. The latest extension will keep a waiver in place until Sept. 8 and through the Democratic and Republican presidential nominating conventions that are pulling attention away from public policy and towards... (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
The Rise Of Fantasy Politics Aug 26, 2008
As everyone knows, the disconnect will worsen, because aging baby boomers will bloat outlays for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. These programs already total nearly two-fifths of the $2. (Forbes -- Business)
Medicare: 3 in 10 Payments Made in Error Aug 26, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said its error rate for durable medical equipment came to about 7 ... "The IG says you should have gotten more. Our response is, you know, you're right," said Timothy Hill, chief financial officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Time.com)
Your Money: Mineral trusts are not difficult, but do require planning (15) Aug 25, 2008
You have to have one eye on IRS, another eye on Medicaid and a plan that dissects all of these possibilities with the best possibility for success based on a formula for gifting, income and retention of assets. Mineral trusts are not difficult, but they do require a lot of discussion as to how the trust language reads on handling of income, time frames for retention of income, and when and why the income, and eventually the minerals themselves, will be dispersed to the beneficiaries. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Everbody in, nobody out Aug 25, 2008
Kurt Bechle wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:23 AM:" Everybody in? What I want to know is how this plan will insure that only legal citizens are the beneficiaries of the program, given the porous borders we have. We cant afford to insure everyone in the world. A better question than how many are uninsured is how many are not receiving medical care. Most hospitals and clinics offer discounts to patients who are self pay while the truly indigent have a variety of social support systems from... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Aug 25, 2008
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Hilo veterans home corrects defects Aug 25, 2008
Before the VA survey, the home had passed surveys by the state Department of Health and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Kowalski said. The home has been slow to admit residents, because no reimbursements are made until surveys are done, and reimbursement is not made retroactively, meaning Avalon must bear initial care costs, Kowalski said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
When Family Caregivers Have to Make Tough Choices Aug 25, 2008
Many facilities don't take Medicaid. Speak to a financial advisor before making a transition and consider all the options. (Pekin Times, IL)
The finger on the Medicare trigger Aug 25, 2008
The government on all levels spend billions for "medicaid" recipients on welfare, many who are illegal and many who are not interested in working ... I can give you case in point where MEDICAID is paying for plastic surgery for some welfare recipients ... The government on all levels spend billions for "medicaid" recipients on welfare, many who are illegal and many who are not interested in working. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Almost Half of Working America Plagued by Medical Debt Aug 25, 2008
Many older Americans also offset their Medicare benefits with supplemental coverage from private insurers and Medicaid. Americans in this age bracket are not exempt from the financial burden of medical expenses, however. (MedHeadlines)
79 Million US Adults Have Medical Bill Problems Or Are Paying Off Medical Debt Aug 25, 2008
Notably, adults 65 years and older were far less likely to report medical bill problems or debt than younger adults because they are covered by Medicare and may also have supplemental private coverage, and in the case of low-income individuals, may have Medicaid. Just 19 percent of adults over 65 half the rate for adults under 65 (41%) reported any medical bill problems or debt. (Science Daily)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Aug 25, 2008
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
New Product to Lower Costs for Government Healthcare Programs Aug 25, 2008
"After spending the past 15 years working closely with and listening to state Medicaid program directors ask repeatedly for product-based solutions and only have project-based deployment solutions available to them, it's clear that the states want and need new options". About Plexis Healthcare Systems, Inc. Plexis Healthcare Systems is a leading payer solution and claims processing technology company based in Ashland, Oregon. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
MedAire, Global Doctor ink deal for travelers Aug 25, 2008
As part of the federal government's reforms to strengthen the health care system for 70 million Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, the Health Care Financing Administration, or HCFA, now is being called the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ... Being restructured around three centers that reflect its major lines of business (the Center for Medicare Management Services, Center for Beneficiary Choices and the Center for Medicaid and State Operations) ... Reforming the Centers for Medicare... (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
State program helps pay for procedure Aug 25, 2008
The program reimburses Medicaid rates at about 1,650 per screen, Rogers said. Katz said he isn't losing money on the procedures for the state, but he isn't making any either. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Bush administration proposal is an attack on reproductive health Aug 25, 2008
Such a broad interpretation would jeopardize funding for Medicaid and Title X, both of which provide family-planning services. Moreover, the changes are not necessary. (Seattle Times)
What about the economy, McCain and Obama? Aug 25, 2008
Despite his pledges to cut waste, fraud and earmarks, we cannot see how McCain can cut spending enough to pay for his proposed tax cuts without taking an ax to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Obama has only begun to explain how he will fulfill his pledge to preserve Social Security without privatizing it. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Settlement returns nearly $18K to county Aug 25, 2008
Two years ago the international company was accused of fraudulently reporting inflated wholesale prices, which form the basis for Medicaid payments. That means that every time a Greene County resident who is covered under Medicaid filled a prescription for certain medications manufactured by Bristol Meyers Squibb, the county was paying too much ... That cost Greene County thousands of dollars out of its Medicaid budget. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Also this week: Health clinics seek federal status Aug 25, 2008
The money would bridge the gap between the centers cost to treat Medicaid patients and the reimbursement they receive. The clinics spend about $110 per visit to treat Medicaid patients; they re reimbursed $75 to $80 ... They have had to cut 26 positions in the last two years, including community nursing and pharmacy personnel, under pressure from the Medicaid gap, city funding cuts and the increasing number of uninsured patients they see. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Federal status could ease pinch at city health clinics Aug 25, 2008
The money would bridge the gap between the centers cost to treat Medicaid patients and the reimbursement they receive. The clinics spend about $110 per visit to treat Medicaid patients; they re reimbursed $75 to $80. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Errors leave some without insurance Aug 24, 2008
But about 173,000 of the newly insured are enrolled in Commonwealth Care, which is insurance for people who don't qualify for employer-sponsored health coverage and earn too much to qualify for Medicaid ... Boudreault said that state regulators are aiming by January to overhaul the massive computer system that runs Commonwealth Care and the state's Medicaid program, known as MassHealth. (Boston Globe)
The Bush-McCain tax plan Aug 24, 2008
Maybe McCain will cut Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid to balance his budget. McCain like Bush wants to privatize Social Security. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Paskon surrenders license Aug 24, 2008
The jury further found that Dr. Paskon violated the civil False Claims Act by submitting false or fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement of pain relief and anti-anxiety drugs that he prescribed to his patients ... Federal prosecutors are asking the judge to order Dr. Paskon to pay up to 304,000 in Medicaid reimbursements and fines and bar him from writing prescriptions for up to two years ... It further states Paskon established himself as a caring physician who treated Medicaid... (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Web site provides information on hospital death rates Aug 24, 2008
This past week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a new tool that gives the public access to hospitals' mortality rates for conditions like pneumonia and heart failure. Previously, visitors to the agency's Hospital Compare Web site could find out whether a hospital's death rates were above, below or equal to the national average. (Brownsville Herald)
Know about your candidate Aug 24, 2008
Ron Murray Sr wrote on Aug 22, 2008 4:37 PM:" Barack Obama made $4 million from sales of his book. He doesn't make that amount every year.But then his whole campaign isn't made up of K Street Lobbyist either. Like McSame's is.And he only owns ONE home, not TEN like McSame.You Republinerds are as dumb as a box of rocks. You are backing a candidate who only talks from 3 x 5 cards written by someone else. And he wants to reinstitute the draft. He is so out of touch with reality it isn't even... (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Local reaction to Biden pick: 'He won't bite his tongue' Aug 24, 2008
Mary Powell of Hartsville, who was at the reunion representing Unison Health Plan, which provides additional benefits for Medicaid recipients, said she had already made up her mind to vote for Obama, but when I found out he had Biden, it really made me feel safe. That really made me feel like, Okay, we re going to make it. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
One Year Later, Rochester Woman's Murder Unsolved Aug 24, 2008
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Sunday August 24, 2008. (R News)
Rise in C-sectionsstirs health worry Aug 24, 2008
Medicaid pays about $1,600. Hospitals, though, do benefit from the increased number of C-sections, because C-sections cost twice as much as nonsurgical deliveries - an average of $16,020 vs. $8,500. (The Palm Beach Post)
Doctors indicted for health care fraud, money laundering Aug 24, 2008
A Desoto doctor and his wife, a nurse, and another doctor from St. Louis were indicted on charges of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said Friday ... The Ellegoods also submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid with James Ellegood's provider number for services provided by Rajitha Goli, whose Missouri physician's license was revoked in 2002 when she was convicted in 2002 of health-care fraud. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Industry Snapshot Aug 24, 2008
A new administration could change Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, Shenkan says. And closer FDA scrutiny could increase product recalls. (Investors Business Daily)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Aug 24, 2008
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Local seniors pinching penniesRising food, medical, fuel prices to blame Aug 23, 2008
"And I feel sorry for the people that have to pay for their medicines," added Rushitaj, who gets both Medicare and Medicaid. "When I hear how much they have to pay, I don't know what to say. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Medicaid.". (West New York Reporter, NJ)
Adena's goal: Keep patients home Aug 23, 2008
That larger share came out of a shrinking pool of statewide admissions due to more 23-hour hospital stays that don t count as admissions, people deferring care in a bad economy and better management of Medicaid patients. About 29,280 patients were admitted to Ohio hospitals from the five counties, about 500 fewer than in 2005, spokeswoman Erin Bounds said. (Columbus Business First, OH)
Everbody in, nobody out Aug 23, 2008
Kurt Bechle wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:23 AM:" Everybody in? What I want to know is how this plan will insure that only legal citizens are the beneficiaries of the program, given the porous borders we have. We cant afford to insure everyone in the world. A better question than how many are uninsured is how many are not receiving medical care. Most hospitals and clinics offer discounts to patients who are self pay while the truly indigent have a variety of social support systems from... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Primary Health Care Center in Rossville hosts an open house Aug 23, 2008
Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance is accepted. CLICK ON THESE LINKS. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Cystic fibrosis patient awaits effort to change state regulation Aug 23, 2008
As a Medicaid patient, Chapman is barred from receiving reimbursement for a transplant and aftercare under current Alaska regulations because he's over 21. But an emergency regulation change is being considered by the Department of Health and Social Services. (Anchorage Daily News)
New CFO says hospital is healthy Aug 23, 2008
"He said hospitals face losses many times because reimbursement from the government for the treatment of Medicaid patients is often less than the cost of service. Additionally, he said, hospitals face losses because of bad debt expense - uninsured patients who don't pay their bills.Hall said that those who have insurance but who opt for small premiums and large deductibles that they cannot pay also often end up costing the hospital in bad debt.To retain its status as a non-profit hospital, Pekin... (Pekin Times, IL)
Dole talks to local leaders Aug 23, 2008
Dole also reminded civic leaders that she pushed for a moratorium on Medicaid cuts supported by the Bush administration. She said that move saved Beaufort County Hospital 1. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Aug 23, 2008
In 1998, amid mounting evidence that nicotine is addictive, the tobacco industry agreed to the landmark $246 billion settlement in exchange for a promise by state attorneys general to drop lawsuits aimed at forcing the industry to pay for smoking-related health costs incurred through Medicaid. Around the same time, internal documents extracted from cigarette companies through lawsuits revealed that light cigarettes -- marketed to more health-conscious smokers since the early 1970s -- often... (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Paterson Selects Mullen for Upstate Aug 23, 2008
" It now has an alternative fuel station. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department says a vehicle that ran a red light caused a crash on Route 96 Thursday afternoon. A 90-year-old woman is being treated at a local hospital after police say two men broke into her northwest Rochester home and tied her up. A Penfield man admitted to texting on his phone moments before he struck two bicyclists in Webster Wednesday. He was also charged with DWI. With hundreds of firefighters from across New York in... (R News)
Succeed Corp. of Mesa tops Arizona rankings on Inc. 5000 Aug 23, 2008
which provides a health care plan designed to streamline Medicare and Medicaid for special-needs customers. Total revenue for the 2008 group fell to $185 billion from last year's $195 billion, the magazine reports. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Officials discuss expanding telemed options Aug 23, 2008
States have the ability to set some of the telemedicine reimbursement schedules with Medicaid, and 35 states, including Wyoming, have some form of the program ... Because Wyoming is a rural state and has a shortage of physicians, it could benefit from telemedicine, said Dr. James Bush, state Medicaid medical director with the Wyoming Department of Health. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Funeral director gets 3 days for fraud Aug 23, 2008
The state Department of Justice s 20-page criminal complaint accused Dickinson of filing fraudulent claims with the state for funeral and cemetery assistance available for Medicaid recipients and indigent people, while still charging their families full costs for services. Dickinson pleaded guilty July 3 to two felony charges of public assistance fraud, though the complaint lists 27 similar cases between 2003 and 2006. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
ROUGH ECONOMY: Seniors in insurance gap stop taking medicine Aug 23, 2008
Jeff Nelligan, a spokesman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the coverage gap kicks in after participants have saved about $1,600 on their drug costs, on average. He also noted that many plans offer some coverage when beneficiaries hit the doughnut hole. (USA Today)
