Most fears about moving into a nursing home concern abuse and neglect. After living independent lives on one’s own, it is easy to understand why seniors may wish to avoid moving into a facility where they will rely on others (strangers) for day to day aid. Unfortunately, beyond the physical,…
The New York Medicaid system is the largest in the nation. As most know, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, paid for by both entities. While federal parameters must be met, each state is free to decide upon various details of the program, including eligibility and extensiveness of support provided.…
A common theme in recent years regarding long-term care in New York is the shuttering of county-owned public nursing homes. Historically, facilities to provide specialized care to seniors were built in different communities, with operation and ownership in the hands of local policymakers. But with financial pressures mounting, that format…
Yesterday we discussed the release of the federal Long-Term Care Commission’s final report. As mentioned, the major glaring issue with the report was its relative silence on financing solutions for this care. The Commission was made up of individuals with varying interests–from owners to residents–who have very different incentives. Issues…
Drastic revisions to the New York Medicaid system have been well documented in recent years. Most attention relates to a crackdown on fraud and similar cost-cutting measures. The spur for the alternations, as with so many government program decisions, is the hope of reigning in costs and ensuring the program’s…
The tremendous benefit of planning ahead for possible long-term care needs cannot be explained enough. The typical New York family is understandably most concerned about paying monthly bills, attending birthday parties, fixing up the house, and the thousand other activities that fill the day. Taking the time to think about…
News about potential fraud and waste within the New York Medicaid system keeps on coming. It seems as if every week there is a new allegations of practices which unnecessarily cost the state money in unnecessary Medicaid payments. With Governor Cuomo’s continued focus on rooting out problems with the system,…
In an effort to more efficiently use state funds, over the past few years the New York Medicaid program has been closely analyzed by state groups looking to root out fraud. Those investigations have returned hundreds of millions of dollars back into the programs following problematic practices at New York…
The New York Medicaid program has been making many headlines in recent months. Implementation of the Affordable Care Act and efforts to control state spending all have significant implications for the program. Interestingly, these developments have opposing outcomes. As the Affordable Care Act provisions are unrolled the program will be…
The latest developments with the NY Medicaid program relate to concerns about the performance of the state Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG). The OMIG’s role is to ensure maximum efficiency of the program. Considering the constant chatter about possible program changes in order to save costs, the work of…