Hospice care is holistic care for the dying. Medicare coverage of hospice care is available for beneficiaries who have been certified as terminally ill, for services that are “reasonable and necessary for the palliation or management of … [Read more...] about Medicare Hospice Care: Palliative vs. Curative
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A Model to Waive the Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement for Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility
In order for Medicare Part A to pay for a patient’s stay in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), the patient must first have spent at least three consecutive days as an inpatient in an acute care hospital.[1] For many Medicare beneficiaries, … [Read more...] about A Model to Waive the Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement for Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Democratic and Republican Party Platforms: Side-by-Side Comparison of Issues Important to Medicare Beneficiaries
Platform Side-by-Side Suggested Medicare/Healthcare Priorities Language Originally Submitted to Platform CommitteeThe two major American political parties have released their 2016 party platforms in anticipation of their respective party … [Read more...] about Democratic and Republican Party Platforms: Side-by-Side Comparison of Issues Important to Medicare Beneficiaries
Proper Use of Electronic Health Records Could Enhance Patient Care
If properly utilized, Electronic Health Records (EHR) could increase the quality of care for Medicare’s beneficiaries and lower program costs. EHRs provide the possibility of easy transfer of information between providers, and better patient … [Read more...] about Proper Use of Electronic Health Records Could Enhance Patient Care
President Calls On Congress to Add a Public Option to the Affordable Care Act
As reported this week in The Hill, President Obama is calling on Congress to add a “public option” to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to improve his signature health law. “Public programs like Medicare often deliver care more … [Read more...] about President Calls On Congress to Add a Public Option to the Affordable Care Act
New York Times Article on Noninvasive Alternative to Dental Fillings
The New York Times reported on July 11, 2016 that a noninvasive alternative to dental fillings that could save money, while preventing future decay, has gained increased traction among dentists.The liquid - Silver Diamine Fluoride, or S.D.F. - … [Read more...] about New York Times Article on Noninvasive Alternative to Dental Fillings
Proposed Rule: Access to DME for Dually Eligible People
On June 30, 2016 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule about the difficulties of dually eligible people (individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) to obtain Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The … [Read more...] about Proposed Rule: Access to DME for Dually Eligible People
Medicare’s Value-Based Purchasing Program for Hospitals: Paying More to Low-Cost Hospitals That Provide Low Quality Care
In 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced expansion of Medicare’s Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program for acute care hospitals. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2015, and as mandated by Congress in the Affordable … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Value-Based Purchasing Program for Hospitals: Paying More to Low-Cost Hospitals That Provide Low Quality Care
Medicare Part D and Off-Label Rx Denials
In the last 18 months, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and other advocates around the country, have received many, many calls from older and disabled beneficiaries who can no longer obtain coverage for the Lidocaine Patch 5% from their Part D … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D and Off-Label Rx Denials
Organizing for Comprehensive Oral Health Care
As part of the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s commitment to improving oral health for older people and people with disabilities, Center attorneys recently attended a DentaQuest convening in Cambridge, Massachusetts aimed at unifying partners in … [Read more...] about Organizing for Comprehensive Oral Health Care