Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare’s Coverage Of Therapy Services Again Is In Center Of Court Dispute
According to a settlement four years ago, Medicare was supposed to make clear to therapists that their services are covered even if beneficiaries are not improving. But that is not yet widely accepted.
21 Medicare Health Plans Warned To Fix Provider Directory Errors
Federal officials release names of insurers who ranked poorly in a recent review of their online directories’ accuracy.
Got A Raise? Congrats, But It Could Wreak Havoc On Your Subsidy Calculation
Health insurance subsidies are pegged to income estimates, but if those are too low, the customer may have to make a repayment to the government.
HHS Secretary: Give Medicare Authority To Negotiate Drug Prices
More work is needed to improve health care in U.S., but there are no “silver bullets” to get the job done, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell tells National Press Club in a farewell speech defending Obamacare.
Medicare Failed To Recover Up To $125 Million In Overpayments, Records Show
Medicare overpaid five insurance plans by $128 million yet only recovered $3 million, audits show.
New Nursing Home Rules Offer Residents More Control Of Their Care
People in these facilities are now guaranteed more flexibility on food and roommate choices, as well as improved procedures for grievances and discharges.
Hospitals And Surgery Centers Play Tug-Of-War Over America’s Ailing Knees
As Medicare considers paying for knee replacement procedures outside the hospital, doctors debate patient choice and the potential for post-operation complications.
When Looking For A Nursing Home, You May Get Little Help From Your Hospital
Hospitals rarely help patients find the best nursing home. When they do advise, hospitals sometimes push their own facilities.
Bundled Payments Work, Study Finds, But HHS Nominee No Fan
A study found that Medicare’s bundled payments model for joint replacement could save the government billions of dollars without harming patient care.
Latest Hospital Injury Penalties Include Crackdown On Antibiotic Resistant Germs
Medicare reduced payments to 769 hospitals in the program, punishing facilities that have high rates of patient injuries, including infections, blood clots, falls and bed sores. This year, federal officials also added the prevalence of two dangerous bacteria.