Critical Nursing Home Information Available through Medicare/CMS Database

Most of us think about Medicare when we are feeling ill or having to visit the doctor or hospital. This time of year, until December 31st, during enrollment period, Medicare is on the minds of most Medicare recipients.

There are many types of information that Medicare collects and Medicare provides. In an effort to keep Medicare recipients and their families informed, Medicare tracks is information regarding nursing homes. a few months ago, Medicare released information and created a database that lists the lowest quality nursing homes in the country.

The Nursing Home Compare Website has a searchable database that gives the names of the lowest rated 5% of nursing homes in the United States. In addition to the database, CMS provides a monthly update showing results of nursing home inspections, which keeps the information current and up to date.

CMS is working hard to provide Medicare recipients and others more access and easier access to information regarding nursing homes. Many senators and congressmen are trying to pass bills to disclose even more information regarding nursing homes and the nursing home community. It may take some time to implement these types of bills, but it is an important issue and it is being looked at carefully and pushed forward.

Whether you are actually at the point where you are looking for a nursing home, or you are a relative, friend or caretaker of an individual looking for or needing one, the information that CMS/Medicare has released is essential.

There is much more information at www.medicare.com, including frequently asked questions with answers and links to other sites and further information.

If you are approaching retirement, already retired and on Medicare or just looking for answers about Medicare or nursing homes, take the time to explore the subject in advance. It could help you avoid ending up in the wrong place in a bad situation later on.