CMS officials announce a 2.4% pay hike for skilled nursing

Here are all the details on the latest
Medicare updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services recently revealed an exciting list of updates affecting skilled nursing facilities nationwide. Focused on alleviating complicated provider paperwork, confusing patient payment groups and other red tape regulation, the new changes are sure to provide a fresh start for frustrated administrators.

Back in early 2017, the agency proposed a new payment model known as “RCS-1” to replace the current RUG-IV, which dictates Part A patient pay according to their level of need. In an effort to further simplify the system, CMS’s new “Patient-Driven Payment Model” champions standardization, ultimately streamlining paperwork and improving problems with today’s tricky Medicare processing.

 

The Perks of the Proposal

As part of the new plan, skilled nursing facilities will see a hesty pay hike, as well as the promise of future long-term savings. The revamped system also seems a step in the right direction when it comes to enhancing patient-provider interactions. Although CMS still has details to unveil, we’ve boiled it down to a few highlight benefits:

Moves toward telemedicine – CMS administrators are embracing innovation with the hopes of cutting system-wide costs. One element of the proposal will let rehab doctors meet with patients virtually in certain care settings, in addition to other money-saving shists toward technology.

Empowerment through choice – Under the PDPM, patients will enjoy greater freedom when searching for the perfect facility. Since the new payment system is based on condition rather than services, individuals can seek caregivers specializing in short-term care, long-term care, memory care, etc.

More Medicare money – Starting in October of this year, the government will implement the 2.4% budget boost, invigorating the greater skilled nursing industry with $850 million in additional funds through 2019.

‘Patients Over Paperwork’ – Have you heard of this CMS initiative? Beyond the specific numbers and allowances, Medicare patient advocates say the new set of rules are sure to support the agency’s push toward higher quality care standards.