Following issues discovered by state health care compliance surveyors earlier this month, Life Care Center of Ooltewah was put on notice by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday that payments made to the facility will be temporarily halted for 30 days next month and could be in jeopardy long-term.
State and federal authorities will halt Medicare and Medicaid payments for any new residents starting Oct. 10, effectively limiting the $16 million Ooltewah nursing home’s new resident intake.
Residents admitted to the Snow Hill Road facility before Oct. 10 will continue to receive government aid until Nov. 9.
Medicare funding is regulated through the federal government and is paid out on behalf of disabled residents and those over 65.
Medicaid is regulated by the state and is paid out based on resident income.