Susan Jaffe
Susan Jaffe covers health policy in Congress and the federal agencies for KHN and other publications.
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New Medicare Advantage tool to lower drug prices puts crimp in patients’ choices
Some physicians and patient advocates are concerned that the pursuit of lower Part B drug prices could endanger very sick Medicare Advantage patients if they can’t be treated promptly with the medicine that was their doctor’s first choice.
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Hospitals, consumer groups push back against Medicare observation rule
The NOTICE Act requires that starting Aug. 6, Medicare patients receive a form written in “plain language” after 24 hours of observation care but no later than 36 hours. Under the law, it must explain the reason they have not been admitted and how that decision will affect Medicare’s payment for services and patients’ share of the costs.
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Payer’s Place: Dawn Maroney
Dawn Maroney, President, Markets of Alignment Health and CEO of Alignment Health Plan, to discuss how they are using technology to provide better service and care to consumers.
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Medicare claims appeals pile up, and backlog is unacceptably long
The report from the Government Accountability Office, said the backlog “shows no signs of abating.” It called for the Department of Health and Human Services to improve its oversight of the process and to streamline appeals so that prior decisions are taken into account and repetitive claims are handled more efficiently.
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Hospitals rethink fall prevention efforts
A dangerous fall does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Risk-reduction programs are offered around the country.
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As Medicare turns 50, U.S. Senate unanimously approves Medicare patient rights bill
Long observation stays, lasting 48 hours or more, rose by 450 percent to 170,219 during the same period, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis.
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HHS Inspector General report findings could strengthen nursing home inspections
Federal efforts to strengthen inspections of the nation’s nursing homes are gaining momentum after a […]
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Note takers documenting doctor visits for seniors
It used to be difficult for Edith Couturier, an 85-year-old resident of the District of […]
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Applying Remote Patient Monitoring to Surgery Prep and Recovery, Oncology and Women’s Health
Join us to learn about the latest trends in remote monitoring and how to extend its benefits beyond chronic conditions to more patients – all while using fewer staff resources.
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Federal judge’s Medicare Advantage decision in Connecticut could impact entire nation
In a decision that could have national implications, a Connecticut federal judge blocked UnitedHealthcare late […]
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UnitedHealthcare dropping hundreds of doctors from Medicare Advantage Plans
Dorathy Senay’s doctor had some bad news after her last checkup, but it wasn’t about […]
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New rules require home healthcare agencies to pay minimum wage, overtime
The U. S. Department of Labor issued new rules Tuesday that mandate home health care agencies pay their workers the minimum wage and receive overtime pay starting in 2015.
“Almost 2 million home care workers are doing critical work, providing services… -
Long-term care panel: Yes, we have a problem but we don’t know how to pay for it
A commission created by Congress to address the country’s surging need for long-term health care released recommendations Friday but did not reach a consensus on how to pay for these often expensive services.
Home health aide Wendy Cerrato hel…
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Sell a Medicare beneficiary an insurance exchange plan and you could end up in jail
After reassuring seniors that Medicare is not part of the new health insurance marketplaces, administration officials have a warning for anyone who may have other ideas: selling marketplace coverage to people who have Medicare is illegal.
Starting Jan… -
Health insurance marketplace talk focused on differentiating Obamacare and Medicare
While the Obama administration is stepping up efforts encouraging uninsured Americans to enroll in health […]
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Payer’s Place: Dr. Anil Singh
Dr. Anil Singh shares his insights into the strategies employed by the organization to identify the most effective digital solutions for their members.
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Discover the Next-Gen Platform for Integrated Collaborative Care
Beyond EHRs and digital front doors, reducing the gaps in patient care journeys.
