Are You Aware Of The Two Midnight Medicare Rule?
One of the changes in the 2014Medicare proposed prospective payment regulations is the two-midnight rule. This
rule requires that inpatients must remain in the hospital over two midnights in
order to qualify for inpatient reimbursement.
Any stay shorter is considered outpatient, which has a much lower reimbursement
rate. Fortunately these rules have been
delayed until September 30, 2014, but it’s important that you stay on top of
this. It could have severe financial ramifications for you or your aging
parent.
Hospital leaders have
vigorously opposed
the two-midnight rule during the past year, arguing that the policy is unclear
and undermines the medical judgment of physicians. The Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the policy to better monitor Medicare
payment of short inpatient stays and ensure inpatient admissions are medically
necessary. But the fact remains that this is yet another unintended (or
intended?) consequence of Obamacare that will affect care for the elderly.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Beware of Medicare Scams
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Over the years, I've warned readers of Medicare, Social
Security, and other scams targeting seniors. It looks like there is one
circulating in Missouri and Illinois now. If you are a senior or care for one, be alert for these scams. Warn your
loved one (again) to not respond with personal information.
Labels: Medicare, scams, Social Security