In a previous blog post, I alerted you to the settlement of a federal lawsuit entitled Jimmo v. Sebellius, in which the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied that there ever existed a so-called “improvement standard” for the coverage of nursing home under Medicare. Rather, CMS agreed that such coverage would be determined […]
RI Health Reminds Rhode Islanders to Get Flu Shots
Rhode Island’s Department of Health is reporting two influenza-related deaths occurred in January, the state’s first of the 2013-2014 flu season. Director of Health Michael Fine, M.D. reminds us that “everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year”, and that even for those not already vaccinated this year, it’s […]
Upcoming Rhode Island Dining for Alzheimer’s Events
Happy New Year! The Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association is kicking off 2014 by hosting two upcoming dining events to raise funds for local programs. On Thursday, January 16th, The Olde Theater Diner in Coventry, RI will host an all day (6 am to 11 pm) event, with 10% of your bill supporting the Association’s local Early Stage Social Engagement Program. […]
RIHCA Chair on the State of Seniors Care in Rhode Island
In the December 2013 edition of Senior Digest News, Scott Sanborn provides an excellent summary on the issues faced by seniors and caregivers in Rhode Island. Mr Sanborn is the current chair of the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA), the state’s “the state’s largest professional organization of skilled nursing facilities”. He is also an […]
Upcoming Symposium on Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Impairment
The Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island is proud to present the (free) Brian Ott, MD Research Symposium. Their guest speaker is Dr. Jie Shen, Professor of Neurology, Harvard University, presenting on “Memory Impairment and Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease”. The Symposium will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. […]
Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association Presentation
Last Thursday, October 3rd, I participated in the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association’s Getting Started Education Series, presenting on the topic of legal and financial considerations of Alzheimer’s disease. As I promised during the presentation, I am now posting a copy of my presentation slides (below). If you have more specific questions, or are in need of legal […]
NEGAS Presentation Slides
As promised, I am sharing the PowerPoint slides from my recent presentation to the NEGAS group on Medicaid & Medicaid Planning. NEGAS Presentation (06.19) from Mark Heffner
A Nursing Home Myth Exploded: Medicare Can Pay Even After A Resident “Plateaus”
The typical scenario goes like this. Dad is living alone at home, suffering from Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. He falls and fractures a hip. With Daughter’s help, he is admitted to a hospital for three or more days. Dad is then discharged to a nursing home, specifically into its skilled “rehabilitation unit.” No one […]
Free Workshop on Legal and Financial Considerations of Alzheimer’s Disease
As part of the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association’s Getting Started Education Series, Mark Heffner will be presenting a workshop, “Legal and Financial Considerations of Alzheimer’s Disease” later this month. Mr. Heffner will share techniques for protecting life savings from the significant costs of nursing home care, and in particular, opportunities for spouses of those afflicted […]