INSURANCE CLAIMS

Illinois assisted living providers protected in ordinary negligence claims during the pandemic

Broad immunity granted in negligence claims, according to an opinion filed by the Illinois Supreme Court which held that all healthcare facilities in Illinois that rendered assistance to the state during the COVID-19 disaster declaration are immune from all claims of negligence that arose during that time, even if the claims had nothing to do with the provision of COVID assistance to the state.

Excelas can help with any claim through a wide variety of expertly prepared reports. Buried within the hundreds to thousands of pages of your medical records are the facts you need to build a solid defense. Our medical legal analysts can find those facts quickly and turn them into unbiased insights and practical reports you can use to inform your defense or settlement strategy.

HURRICAN HELENE DISRUPTS IV SUPPLIES

Hospitals and health systems nationwide delaying surgeries amid IV shortage

A number of hospitals are delaying elective surgeries as more than 80% of healthcare organizations across the nation are facing a shortage of IV fluid supplies after Hurricane Helene disrupted operations at a Baxter International facility in Marion, N.C.

Fortunately, Daytona Beach’s B. Braun Medical plant, which produces nearly one-quarter of the IV fluids in the U.S., managed to avoid significant damage from Hurricane Milton.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

The three largest Medicare Advantage insurers are limiting access to post-acute care in order to protect profits

“Refusal of Recovery: How Medicare Advantage Insurers Have Denied Patients Access to Post-Acute Care,” a Senate report published October 17, 2024, examined data and internal documents from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS to better understand how the big three use prior authorization as a cost-cutting tool. It investigated a range of post-acute placements, but reduced access to skilled nursing facilities is called out perhaps most extensively in the 54-page report.

Denials also are used to shorten lengths of a stay at a nursing home, inpatient rehabilitation facility, or long-term acute care hospitals, a practice that members of Congress have previously accused of undermining the doctor-patient relationship — and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

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