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In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore major federal updates affecting senior care providers, including Medicaid financing reform, Medicare improper payment findings, new survey guidance from CMS, and practical quality improvement resources communities can use right away. Each story highlights the growing emphasis on financial integrity, documentation accuracy, regulatory readiness, and proactive quality improvement.

CMS Shuts Down Massive Medicaid Tax Loophole, Saving Billions for Federal Taxpayers and Restoring the Federal-State Partnership — CMS announced it is closing certain Medicaid financing arrangements used by states to draw additional federal matching funds, reinforcing oversight and potentially influencing long-term reimbursement structures for senior care providers.

CMS Estimates Medicare Made $28.8B in Improper Payments in FY2025 — Fierce Healthcare reports that CMS identified $28.8 billion in Medicare improper payments, largely tied to documentation gaps, underscoring the importance of accurate and thorough clinical records in skilled nursing settings.

QSO-26-03-NH: Revisions to State Operations Manual Chapters 5 and 7 — CMS updated survey procedures and enforcement guidance, including clarifications on immediate jeopardy determinations and civil money penalties, directly impacting survey readiness for skilled nursing communities.

Nursing Home and Skilled Nursing Facilities Resources — The South Central QIN-QIO provides practical tools and educational materials to help senior care teams strengthen infection prevention, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and enhance overall quality improvement efforts.