HHS
To Give Money To States To Help States Build Disabilities Programs
On May 22, 2001, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the release
of solicitations for new grants totaling around $70 million for states
to develop new programs for people with disabilities.
Expanded
Medicare Coverage For Liver Transplants Includes Some Patients With
Malignancies
On May 25, 2001 the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
announced it is expanding Medicare coverage of liver transplants to
include certain patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
This will be Medicare's first movement towards transplant
coverage for a liver malignancy.
Medicare
Proposes To Increase Nursing Home Payments By Estimated 2.1 Percent
On May 10, 2001 the Health Care Financing Administration announced that
Medicare proposes to increase payments by an estimated 2.1 percent for
fiscal year 2002 to skilled nursing facilities that provide vital care
to Medicare beneficiaries with serious health problems.
Increased
Awareness Of Stroke Symptoms Could Dramatically Reduce Stroke
Disability -- New NIH public education campaign says bystanders can
play key role
Only a fraction of stroke patients each year are getting to the
hospital in time to receive a treatment that makes the difference
between disability and full recovery.
Medicare
To Expedite Coverage For Lymphedema Pumps
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that Medicare will expedite
coverage of pneumatic compression pumps to make it easier for Medicare
beneficiaries with lymphedema to take advantage of the technology.
HHS
Launches Diabetes Education Program For Older Americans
HHS commemorated Older Americans Month by announcing a new campaign
Friday to remind older adults with diabetes about the importance of
routine blood sugar monitoring to manage their disease and that
Medicare benefits are available to help them do so.
May is Older Americans Month.
Medicare
Revises Form For Coverage Of Beneficiaries' Medical Care
The Health Care Financing Administration is asking for comments on a
newly revised form given annually to millions of Medicare
beneficiaries before they receive a medical service that Medicare may
not pay for.
Two
Years After GAO Report, Aging Committee Takes A Second Look At
Assisted Living Industry
At a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on assisted living
facilities, Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) said that the committee had
taken the proper action by taking another look at the industry.
