Senate Democrats passed legislation to reduce the deficit and inflation. Many of the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce health care costs. The law will significantly reduce the budget deficit. Here are the bill’s main provisions: The law allows CMS to negotiate Medicare drug costs with Big Pharma. No more price-gouging. The measure

Senate Republicans unexpectedly killed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. PACT would provide medical benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their military service. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 84 to 14 in June after the House passed it with the expectation that it would

McKnight’s reported that occupancy has rebounded. Occupancy at skilled nursing facilities continued its steady increase. However, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care reveals increased care needs from residents. Occupancy is at pre-pandemic levels. Move-in acuity has increased for 62% of respondents in nursing care. NIC senior principal Bill Kauffman wrote: “These data points suggest

“If you’re culturally a Democrat…I’m with you.” –Dr. Oz Vanity Fair had an interesting article about Dr. Mehmet Oz who is running as a Republican for the Senate in Pennsylvania. To win the Republican nomination, Oz portrayed himself as pro-life, pro-police, pro-guns, and—most importantly—pro-Jan. 6 Insurrection. Now, he is losing so he is trying to

WYFF reported another South Carolina health care provider caught physically abusing a vulnerable adult. The licensed practical nurse works at the Pee Dee Regional Center. Arrest warrants claim Jo Ann Graves hit a resident several times in the face. State authorities arrested her for alleged abuse of a vulnerable adult. Video surveillance corroborated the violent

CMS updated federal guidance for nursing homes. The updates had been due since 2019, but were delayed by the agency for additional review prior to the pandemic. To support the Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities Requirements for Participation, CMS  issued surveyor guidance. The guidance clarifies requirements and compliance. CMS is highlighting the benefits of reducing the number