Author: Charles Adams

Erie, PA (July 29, 2024) – In a significant development that underscores the challenges facing the long-term care industry, Guardian Elder Care, a prominent operator of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The filing, encompassing multiple entities under the Guardian Elder Care umbrella, has sent shockwaves through the Pennsylvania healthcare community. Financial Distress and Legal Troubles Guardian Elder Care has been grappling with substantial financial difficulties, including mounting debts and legal challenges. The company’s largest unsecured creditor is the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, with a claim exceeding $26 million related to nursing facility assessments.…

Hurricane Ida In August 2021, Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm, slammed into Louisiana, leaving a trail of devastation. However, amidst the widespread damage, a different kind of horror story unfolded within the walls of a seemingly innocuous warehouse in Independence, Louisiana. This expose dives into the case of Bob Dean Jr., a nursing home owner, and his callous decision that endangered the lives of hundreds of elderly residents. Evacuation or Abandonment? As Ida approached, Dean, who owned seven nursing homes in Louisiana, made a questionable evacuation plan. Instead of securing proper shelters for his over 800 residents, many of…

Shapiro Cracks Down on Rogue Surveyors, Prioritizes Collaboration for Improved Care In a win for transparency and resident safety, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1853 into law this week. This bipartisan effort, spearheaded by Reps. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester) and Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), aims to forge a stronger, more collaborative partnership between the Department of Health and licensed nursing facilities. A History of Discrepancies? While the official press release doesn’t explicitly mention “rogue surveyors,” the focus on fostering collaboration suggests a potential issue with past inspection practices. Data on citation discrepancies between facilities in different regions or by individual…

Creve Coeur Nursing Home Giant Files for Bankruptcy A dark cloud has settled over the already beleaguered long-term care industry this week. Christian Horizons, a Missouri-based operator with a network of nursing homes and assisted living facilities stretching across the Midwest, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Founded in 1950 with a mission of providing “compassionate care for seniors,” Christian Horizons’ demise paints a grim picture of the financial struggles plaguing this critical sector. Business as Usual… For Now: Residents in Limbo Despite the bankruptcy filing, Christian Horizons, with over 1,000 residents across its dozen facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,…

PharMerica on the Hook for Alleged SNF “Swapping” Scheme PharMerica, a major pharmacy provider for long-term care facilities (SNFs), is shelling out a hefty $100 million to settle a decade-old lawsuit. The accusations? Engaging in a kickback scheme that allegedly gave them an unfair advantage in the lucrative SNF pharmacy market. The whistleblower, Marc Silver, a former SNF owner himself, claimed PharMerica was manipulating the system by undercharging facilities for Medicare Part A medications. But there’s a twist: according to Silver’s lawyers, this wasn’t philanthropy. They allege PharMerica used these artificially low prices as a “loss leader” tactic to secure…

PharMerica on the Hook for Alleged SNF “Swapping” Scheme PharMerica, a major pharmacy provider for long-term care facilities (SNFs), is shelling out a hefty $100 million to settle a decade-old lawsuit. The accusations? Engaging in a kickback scheme that allegedly gave them an unfair advantage in the lucrative SNF pharmacy market. The whistleblower, Marc Silver, a former SNF owner himself, claimed PharMerica was manipulating the system by undercharging facilities for Medicare Part A medications. But there’s a twist: according to Silver’s lawyers, this wasn’t philanthropy. They allege PharMerica used these artificially low prices as a “loss leader” tactic to secure…

Editor’s Note: This update is provided to clarify a potential factual inaccuracy. Mercy Care remains committed to the Arizona Medicaid market and continues to serve its members. The recent developments, including the state’s decision to pause member transition activities, are specific to the ALTCS E/PD procurement and do not impact Mercy Care’s other vital services in the state. Phoenix, AZ- A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Arizona’s long-term care landscape. Mercy Care, a major health provider serving over 850,000 Arizonans, including a significant portion of the state’s senior population, is locked in a battle with the Arizona Health Care Cost…

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has appointed Clifton Porter II, its current Senior Vice President of Government Relations, as its next president and CEO. This historic selection, announced on July 16, 2024, marks a significant step towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the long-term care leadership landscape. Porter becomes the first African American to lead the organization in its 75-year history. From Hands-On Care to Championing Equity Porter’s career trajectory embodies the importance of lived experience in leadership. His 35-year journey began with direct care roles as a volunteer, nurse aide, and administrator…

Editor’s Note: This update is provided to clarify a potential factual inaccuracy. Mercy Care remains committed to the Arizona Medicaid market and continues to serve its members. The recent developments, including the state’s decision to pause member transition activities, are specific to the ALTCS E/PD procurement and do not impact Mercy Care’s other vital services in the state. Arizona’s healthcare landscape for low-income residents and seniors is facing a major upheaval, and the potential consequences are raising red flags. Banner Health and Mercy Care, two major insurers who have served millions of Arizonans through the state’s Medicaid program, the Arizona…

New Jersey’s long-term care sector is pushing for crucial investments in the upcoming budget. Industry leaders at the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) and LeadingAge NJ & DE are championing a $103 million funding boost to address staffing challenges and elevate the quality of care for residents. This strategic proposal leverages federal matching opportunities, maximizing the impact of each state dollar invested. It aims to close the $62.8 million gap projected in the current budget, ensuring continued high standards of care for New Jersey’s most vulnerable seniors. The state Long-Term Care Ombudsman echoes this call for investment, advocating…