OBJECTIVES: Nursing cost-center limits were examined, along with their effects on Medicaid. METHODS: A national survey of Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement provided data on cost centers for nursing, administration, and capital, whether in specific, larger, or multiple cost centers. RESULTS: Most states impose nursing and administration limits. Far fewer states impose capital limits, but only capital limits may be related to constraint of reimbursement rates. CONCLUSIONS: Shifting toward limiting capital costs, or simply eliminating cost-center limits, might accommodate cost control while removing negative constraints on direct resident care.
OBJECTIVES: Nursing cost-center limits were examined, along with their effects on Medicaid. METHODS: A national survey of Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement provided data on cost centers for nursing, administration, and capital, whether in specific, larger, or multiple cost centers. RESULTS: Most states impose nursing and administration limits. Far fewer states impose capital limits, but only capital limits may be related to constraint of reimbursement rates. CONCLUSIONS: Shifting toward limiting capital costs, or simply eliminating cost-center limits, might accommodate cost control while removing negative constraints on direct resident care.
Authors: K R Levit; A L Sensenig; C A Cowan; H C Lazenby; P A McDonnell; D K Won; L Sivarajan; J M Stiller; C S Donham; M S Stewart Journal: Health Care Financ Rev Date: 1994