California Health Advocates opposes the Senate's proposed $1 trillion Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act. This long overdue 4th COVID-19 response package, which was introduced by Senate Republican leadership earlier this week, does not address the needs of our country's older adults, people with disabilities and those with low-income … [Read more...] about HEALS Act Would Hurt Rather than Help Older Adults
CHA Comments on Reduced Benefit Options for LTC Insurance Rate Increases
Bonnie Burns of California Health Advocates submitted this letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Chair and their Long Term Care Insurance Task Force. Burns comments on the critical importance of policyholders knowing and understanding their rights and reduced benefit options when facing rate increases to their long term care insurance … [Read more...] about CHA Comments on Reduced Benefit Options for LTC Insurance Rate Increases
Watch Out for Inappropriate Denials of Home Health Coverage for “Lack of Improvement”
Be alert for inappropriate denials of Medicare home health coverage based on lack of improvement or on “stability” – particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. The Jimmo vs. Sebelius settlement requires Medicare coverage determinations to be based on individuals’ need for skilled care, not on their potential for improvement or on their stability. Skilled nursing, or … [Read more...] about Watch Out for Inappropriate Denials of Home Health Coverage for “Lack of Improvement”
What to Do About Protections for Nursing Home Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus continues to decimate nursing homes, as residents make up more than 40% of California’s COVID-19-related deaths. Yet despite this, nursing homes continue to operate with significantly less oversight than before the virus outbreak occurred. To minimize risk and the virus’ spread, state inspectors have stopped annual inspections, family members are prohibited from … [Read more...] about What to Do About Protections for Nursing Home Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
CHA Opposes a Major Rate Increase to Nursing Homes While Decimating Vital Programs
California Health Advocates, along with many advocates, signed onto this letter from the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform's (CANHR). The letter voices our strong opposition to the Administration’s budget proposal to give a major rate increase to nursing homes while decimating vital programs that help people avoid the skilled nursing facilities that have proven to be … [Read more...] about CHA Opposes a Major Rate Increase to Nursing Homes While Decimating Vital Programs