States Lag in Keeping Medicaid Enrollees Out of Nursing Homes
States are not doing enough to help elderly and disabled Medicaid enrollees receive services in homes and community locations instead of in nursing homes, where care is more expensive, AARP report says. (Kaiser Health News via U.S. News & World Report)
FDA Commissioner Lays Groundwork for Digital Health Innovation Plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb offered a preview of a new Digital Health Innovation Plan that will clarify how the FDA regulates digital medical devices and apps. (Stephanie Baum, MedCity News)
Dialysis Coverage in Jeopardy?
If the Senate passes a health-care bill similar to one the House of Representatives passed last month, then it may become easier for private insurance plans to stop covering dialysis, cutting off a big source of profit for these companies. (Max Nisen/Bloomberg Gadfly)
Some Seniors Just Want to Be Left Alone
The 84-year-old man who had suffered a mini-stroke was insistent as he spoke to a social worker about being discharged from the hospital: He didn’t want anyone coming into his home, and he didn’t think he needed any help. So the social worker canceled an order for home health care services. And the patient went back to his apartment without plans for follow-up care in place. Then what happened? (Judith Graham/Kaiser Health News)
Three Ways to Beat the Home Health Labor Shortage
It’s clear the home health and home care industries are facing a labor shortage. What isn’t as clear is what companies can do about it. (Tim Regan/Home Health Care News)