The Center for Medicare Advocacy is grateful to CMS for responding to concerns we and others raised regarding changes to the skilled nursing facility (SNF) coverage standards in the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. The policy changes, issued this … [Read more...] about CMS Rescinds Erroneous Medicare Nursing Home Policy
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CMS Suspends New Applications for MA “Seamless Conversion” Enrollment
In a June 2016 Weekly Alert the Center wrote about a process called “seamless conversion enrollment” used by some insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to capture enrollment among their pre-Medicare plan … [Read more...] about CMS Suspends New Applications for MA “Seamless Conversion” Enrollment
Barriers to Medigap Coverage for Beneficiaries Under Age 65
Medicare is commonly known for providing health insurance for older people; however, a significant portion of the program’s beneficiaries are under age 65.[1] Individuals with permanent disabilities and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) qualify … [Read more...] about Barriers to Medigap Coverage for Beneficiaries Under Age 65
Don’t Believe that Medicare is “Going Broke”
Election Season continues apace, so it is no surprise that we are hearing all the usual scare-tactics about Medicare - but before you take them at face value, please read this piece from Modern Healthcare: "Predicting Medicare Spending is … [Read more...] about Don’t Believe that Medicare is “Going Broke”
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Has Begun – Ends December 7
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding traditional Medicare, Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. The Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) starts on October 15th and … [Read more...] about Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Has Begun – Ends December 7
Minimal Social Security COLA Increase Will Likely Lead to Dramatic Part B Premium Increases for Some, Large Deductible Increase for All, Unless Congress Intervenes
On October 18, 2016, the Social Security Administration announced that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase by only 0.3% in 2017. Although Medicare premiums won’t be announced until later this Fall, as a result of … [Read more...] about Minimal Social Security COLA Increase Will Likely Lead to Dramatic Part B Premium Increases for Some, Large Deductible Increase for All, Unless Congress Intervenes
Medicare & You 2017 Now Available
Each year the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes Medicare & You a handbook for those with Medicare and those who will become Medicare beneficiaries. The handbook offers information on what is important in 2017, as … [Read more...] about Medicare & You 2017 Now Available
Lodge v. Burwell
No. 3:15-cv-00390-JBA (D.Conn.), filed March 17, 2015Issue: Whether extraordinary dental care should be covered because the exclusion for coverage of dental care should be limited to routine dental care.Relief Sought: Reversal of the Secretary’s … [Read more...] about Lodge v. Burwell
Medicare May Be Helpful in the Event of a Disaster or Emergency
In light of Hurricane Matthew’s disruptions to beneficiary services, equipment and supplies, we are reissuing these reminders.When a Medicare beneficiary lives in an area that has been declared an emergency or disaster by the President, a … [Read more...] about Medicare May Be Helpful in the Event of a Disaster or Emergency
Don’t be Fooled by the Federal Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System
In 2014, The New York Times reported that nursing facilities were gaming the Five-Star Quality Rating System on Nursing Home Compare and that “even nursing homes with a history of poor care rate highly in the areas that rely on self-reported … [Read more...] about Don’t be Fooled by the Federal Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System