Author: Skylar Page

Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and James Lankford (R-OK) have reintroduced a bill aimed at overturning the federal nursing home staffing mandate, just as Congress intensifies its efforts to address sweeping cuts to government spending. The timing is significant, as it coincides with the looming financial negotiations, with some lawmakers seeking to fast-track fiscal reductions via budget reconciliation. The bill, Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act, was reintroduced in the Senate on Wednesday, following a companion measure introduced in the House last week by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). Senate leaders are targeting Fischer’s legislation for inclusion in the ongoing budget…

The nursing home industry faces a potential financial storm as the federal government considers reducing Medicaid matching funds to states. This move could significantly impact senior care-oriented Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and the facilities they support, according to a recent analysis by BMO Capital Markets. The proposed cuts are part of a broader effort to reallocate federal spending, potentially impacting programs like border security and tax credit extensions. With Medicaid being the primary payer for nursing home services in the US, any reduction in funding could have ripple effects across the industry. Republican lawmakers are exploring various avenues to…

A Heartbreaking Loss for the Senior Care Community This past Saturday, the senior care community in New Hampshire was shaken by the tragic loss of Richard and Denise Courville, dedicated owners and operators of several nursing homes across the state. The Courvilles, known for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of elderly residents, were involved in a fatal car crash on Route 101 in Candia. As they traveled in their SUV, a pickup truck crossed the median and struck them head-on, ending their lives and leaving a profound void in the community they served. Details of the Accident The…

Phoenix, AZ— The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc., the nation’s largest health insurer, according to people familiar with the matter. The probe, which is in its early stages, is focused on UnitedHealth’s relationships with its subsidiary Optum, which provides a range of health care services. The DOJ’s investigation comes amid growing concerns about the power and influence of large health insurers. UnitedHealth has been accused of using its market clout to extract higher prices from hospitals and doctors, and to steer patients to Optum-owned facilities for care. In a statement, UnitedHealth said…

Phoenix, Arizona—In a remarkable tale of transformation, Desert Peak Care Center, has turned its fortunes around, morphing from a facility on the brink to a standout example of quality care and management excellence in the healthcare sector. Previously known as Maravilla, Desert Peak was ensnared in challenges that landed it on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Special Focus Facility list, a designation for centers falling short of essential care standards. The facility’s struggles were thrown into the national spotlight following a distressing incident between a resident and a nurse, symbolizing its operational and care delivery issues. The…