Much of the current talk about the problems of Medicare misses the point. The proposals could end up "fixing" a successful program out of existence. Before supporting any fix, remember: Medicare has been a success Medicare assures the … [Read more...] about Don’t “Fix” Medicare Out of Existence
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The New Medicare Hospital Notice – Insight and Guidance for Beneficiaries
Starting July 1, 2007, hospitals participating in the traditional or Medicare Advantage Medicare program must provide beneficiaries with a new notice of discharge and appeal rights, as discussed in last week’s Weekly Alert. This Weekly Alert … [Read more...] about The New Medicare Hospital Notice – Insight and Guidance for Beneficiaries
New Rules Offer Better Protection for Medicare Patients
Medicare patients who are hospitalized sometimes find themselves being told to leave the hospital too soon, before they can safely be cared for at home or at a nursing home.[1] The protections provided for hospital patients in this … [Read more...] about New Rules Offer Better Protection for Medicare Patients
Center For Medicare Advocacy Conference Develops Medicare Beneficiary Complaint Process
Beyond QIO: Modeling a Medicare Beneficiary Complaint Process for Quality of Care A working conference convened on January 19, 2007 in Washington, DC by the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., supported by the Commonwealth Fund, a New York … [Read more...] about Center For Medicare Advocacy Conference Develops Medicare Beneficiary Complaint Process
Medicare Help for Beneficiaries With HIV/AIDS
The month of December began with World AIDS Day, an international day of action on HIV and AIDS. When advising Medicare beneficiaries with the diagnoses of HIV and AIDS, be aware that Medicare covers a wide array of services, for those living with … [Read more...] about Medicare Help for Beneficiaries With HIV/AIDS
Center and Employees Team Up to Assist in Hurricane Relief
With the stark and frightening images of homeless, dispossessed, and desperate people in their thoughts, Center for Medicare Advocacy employees reacted with enthusiasm to an idea that united them with the Center in providing assistance. They … [Read more...] about Center and Employees Team Up to Assist in Hurricane Relief
Important Health Care Lacking for Older People
Older Americans are not getting six key preventive services or appropriate treatment for hypertension that clinical practice guidelines indicate they generally should receive, according to two studies recently published in the Journal of the American … [Read more...] about Important Health Care Lacking for Older People
ADAPs to Offer Free Hepatitis C Drugs
Patients enrolled in AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) with chronic hepatitis C will now have free access to a new combination drug therapy. Schering-Plough Corporation announced in late February that it will provide a new combination … [Read more...] about ADAPs to Offer Free Hepatitis C Drugs
MS Drug, Tysabri, Suspended
On February 28, 2005 the manufacturers of Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, announced the voluntary suspension of the Multiple Sclerosis drug from the market and from all clinical trials. According to the companies’ press … [Read more...] about MS Drug, Tysabri, Suspended
Illegal “Improvement Standard” for SNF Coverage Terminated
Over the years, contractors that review Medicare claims have denied coverage for Medicare services inappropriately on the grounds that the beneficiary's condition will not improve. The Center for Medicare Advocacy, through individual appeals and … [Read more...] about Illegal “Improvement Standard” for SNF Coverage Terminated