Medicare meets reform: integrating Medicare poses a puzzle for reformers

Article Abstract:

US health care reform should include some type of Medicare reform because Medicare spending comprises $132 billion of the $820 billion in federal health care spending. However, because Medicare beneficiaries are older and have political clout, implementing reform may prove difficult. Any reform plan will probably include strong incentives rather than requirements for change. For example, beneficiaries might receive some type of benefits if they use community health networks instead of their own doctors. Alternately, some beneficiaries may be able to remain in the old system while others move to managed care.

HEALTH SERVICES, Planning, Health care reform

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Medicaid worries: states dispute rule on new funding limits

Article Abstract:

The Nov 24, 1992 interim final rule on federal disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) funding limits by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is expected to cause financial hardships for some states. The new rule dictates that DSH payments make up 12% of Medicaid spending nationally. States with higher than 12% DSH payments will be frozen at their 1992 payment levels. States with less than 12% DSH payments will also be frozen at their 1992 payment levels, but they will receive an adjustment for Medicaid program growth.

General medical & surgical hospitals, Laws, regulations and rules, Hospitals, Medicaid, Federal aid to hospitals, Government aid to hospitals

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HCFA works to improve Medicare cost report audits

Article Abstract:

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is working to improve Medicare cost report auditing. Among the new measures likely to be implemented is an 'entrance letter' preparing the provider for the audit, outlining the areas of concern and any information being sought. In addition, the HCFA will be mandated to work with the provider throughout the audit process to solve problems and limit appeals.

Management

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