Author: Blake Caldwell

California’s nursing homes are grappling with a significant financial strain that could jeopardize hospice care access for vulnerable patients. A complex web of Medicaid reimbursement delays and managed care confusion is leaving hospice providers on the hook for millions, raising concerns about sustainability and regulatory compliance. The core issue revolves around “dually eligible” patients, those covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, who reside in nursing homes. Hospices traditionally cover room and board costs, expecting reimbursement from Medicaid. However, California’s transition to managed care for its Medi-Cal program has created a bottleneck.    “Managed health care plans are saying they’re denying…

A former nurse at a Birmingham-area nursing home has been convicted of theft after stealing opioid tablets intended for residents, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. This case highlights the ongoing challenges nursing homes face in preventing drug diversion and ensuring resident safety.    Dozier Micah Blanks, 39, was responsible for medication distribution at the facility. An investigation began last July after a fellow nurse discovered missing hydrocodone, according to the Attorney General’s Office. The facility subsequently terminated Blanks, and the case was referred to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.    The investigation revealed that Blanks had…

The nursing home industry in Iowa is grappling with a severe workforce crisis, exacerbated by the state’s failure to fund a pay-for-performance (P4P) program designed to address this very issue. Created 15 years ago, the program remains unfunded, leaving providers and caregivers wondering if it ever had a chance to make a difference. Iowa’s P4P program, launched in 2009, aimed to incentivize nursing facilities to provide high-quality care. The program promised to reward facilities that offered quality care and “appropriate access to medical assistance program beneficiaries in a cost-effective manner,” according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.…

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENSG) has recently attracted attention for both its significant expansion efforts and the timing of stock sales by its CEO, Barry Port. On August 29th, Port sold 5,618 shares of Ensign stock at an average price of $150.00, resulting in approximately $842,700 in proceeds. This transaction followed earlier sales, including 3,500 shares on August 22nd and 3,000 shares on August 6th, totaling over $1.7 million. These stock sales occurred shortly before Ensign announced its acquisition of eight skilled nursing facilities—seven in Colorado and one in Kansas—effective September 1, 2024. The…

Oklahoma City, OK – Earlier this week, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board (OHCA) approved a $29 million increase in Medicaid funding for nursing homes. This decision marks a key step toward improving the quality of care across the state. The additional funds are expected to attract federal dollars, yet questions remain about whether this increase will meet upcoming federal staffing standards. Key Allocation of Funds The funding will direct over $100 million into Oklahoma’s nursing homes, with 70% earmarked for direct care. This includes salaries and benefits for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nurse aides (CNAs),…

**Title: Opportunity Amidst Uncertainty: Investors Find Silver Lining in Skilled Nursing Sector Disruption** New York, NY—Against a challenging backdrop where many sectors are still grappling with the enduring impacts of the global pandemic, a surprising trend emerges as seasoned investors pivot towards the distressed assets of the skilled nursing industry. Amidst a landscape marked by closures and financial strain, these investors are keenly spotting opportunities for revitalization and long-term growth. The skilled nursing facility (SNF) sector, crucial for providing care to the aging population and individuals with complex healthcare needs, has faced unparalleled hurdles. High operational costs, staffing shortages, and…

New York, NY—In a strategic move that is reshaping the healthcare landscape, hospital systems across the nation are acquiring skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) at an accelerating rate, a maneuver aimed at both improving patient care and bolstering financial performance. This innovative approach, dubbed “The Hospital Hedge,” signifies a pivotal shift towards integrated care models that promise significant benefits for patients, healthcare providers, and investors alike. At the heart of this trend is a compelling financial reality: According to a recent report by the American Hospital Association, hospitals with ownership stakes in post-acute care facilities, including SNFs, have seen a marked…

New York, NY—In an ambitious move set to redefine healthcare for seniors, major insurers are steering the Medicare Advantage gamble toward a promising horizon, by assuming direct control over skilled nursing facilities. This pioneering approach not only promises to streamline healthcare delivery but also aims to amplify the quality of care for the nation’s aging population. The Medicare Advantage program, an alternative to traditional Medicare, offers seniors a bundled plan that is managed by private insurers. These plans often include benefits not provided by traditional Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. The latest twist in the tale sees…

**New York, NY—** Optimism fills the air as innovative hedge funds take a bold stance against the grain, betting against skilled nursing stocks in a move that’s been dubbed “The SNF Short.” This strategic gamble not only highlights the acumen and foresight of these financial entities but also signals a potential shift towards a healthier, more robust long-term care sector. In recent months, the healthcare industry, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), has faced a whirlwind of challenges, from regulatory pressures to changing care delivery models. However, a cadre of keen-eyed hedge funds is looking beyond the present turmoil, identifying what…

New York, NY—In a pivotal shift poised to reshape the future of eldercare, major long-term care insurance providers are increasingly setting their sights on the skilled nursing sector. This targeted pivot promises to bring a fresh breath of innovation, ensuring high-quality care and financial sustainability in an industry deeply impacted by aging populations and soaring healthcare costs. Leaders from top insurance firms emphasize the move as a win-win for policyholders and companies alike. “Investing in skilled nursing not only supports our clients’ needs but also underscores our commitment to adaptive, comprehensive care solutions,” shared a top executive from a leading…