Articles and Blogs

Senate Enrolled Act 554 from the 2013 legislative session set the stage for an upcoming change in Medicaid policy that will provide reimbursement for certain telehealth services provided by Home Health Agencies (“HHAs”).  The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (“IHCP”) released Bulletin BT201454 earlier this week outlining the policy change that will cover an HHA’s remote monitoring of data... READ MORE

In the October 9, 2014 Federal Register, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) indicated it will delay enforcement of the Companion Services Rule (“Rule”) until June 30, 2015 (the “Notice”). The DOL suggests this delayed enforcement is meant to assist the provider community with implementing changes in the Rule. In its commentary, the DOL suggests... READ MORE

Deep Dive #1:  The Proposed QAPI Standard The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released revised home health conditions of participation (“proposed CoPs”) on October 6, 2014.  Home health agencies (“HHAs”) and the health systems or providers with which they work should take a close look at the proposed changes, as they will... READ MORE

On October 8, 2014, CMS announced two initiatives with the objective of improving the quality of post-acute care.  Important to home health providers, CMS released a proposed rule that would revise the conditions of participation (“proposed COPs”) that regulate home health agencies. READ MORE

On August 25, 2014, CMS issued a survey transmittal regarding the need for nursing homes to complete a discharge assessment when a resident transfers from a SNF and/or NF certified bed to a non-certified bed in the same facility.  CMS issued this transmittal to reinforce to facilities that discharge assessments are critical to ensure the... READ MORE

Since July 2013, CMS has instituted a moratorium on new home health agencies (“HHAs”) enrollments in Miami and Chicago areas.  Earlier this year in February, CMS added Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, Dallas and Houston to the moratorium.  This month, CMS has renewed the moratoria for all six locations for an additional six-month period, with the... READ MORE

At a recent roundtable, the Senate Special Committee on Aging criticized the Medicare claims review process, suggesting it unfairly burdened providers and failed to improve program integrity. The senators blamed the current payment system for the auditors and suggested moving from an arrangement that currently incentivizes recovery of overpayments to one that incentivizes reducing... READ MORE

On May 16, 2014, CMS issued a Survey and Certification Transmittal (“Transmittal”) to the state survey agency directors providing infomation on how Medicare and Medicaid certifed long-term care facilities may obtain an extension of time for the installation of automatic sprinkler sytems.  The Transmittal sets forth the procedures on how a nursing home may seek an... READ MORE

On June 1, 2014, Indiana will change the way Indiana residents obtain Medicaid coverage in the age, blind or disabled categories. Currently, when Indiana residents apply for Medicaid coverage, they are subject to state-specific restrictive criteria. After June 1, 2014, Indiana residents will automatically be enrolled in Medicaid if the Federal Social Security Administration... READ MORE

On April 21, 2014, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (“FSSA”) offered a webinar for nursing facilities to provide additional information on Indiana’s Medicaid changes and Qualified Income Trusts (also known as Miller Trusts). READ MORE