The 2016 Medicare Part A and B General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31, 2016. As detailed below, this enrollment period is especially important for many individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part … [Read more...] about Medicare General Enrollment Period Runs January through March 31; Offers Opportunities for Help Paying Medicare Cost-Sharing
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The President’s Proposed FY 2017 Budget: The Impact on Medicare
On February 9, 2016, President Obama unveiled his Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.[1] With respect to Medicare, this year’s proposed budget is very similar to last year’s, both good and bad, with some notable exceptions. While not a … [Read more...] about The President’s Proposed FY 2017 Budget: The Impact on Medicare
New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
On January 4, 2016, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the administration of the Jurisdiction B Durable Medicare Equipment Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) serving Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, … [Read more...] about New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
New Eligibility and Enrollment Materials from CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted new materials for unions and employers to help employees with decisions about Medicare. The materials are available at … [Read more...] about New Eligibility and Enrollment Materials from CMS
Center Submits Comments to Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group (CCWG)
In December 2015, the Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group released a Policy Options Document. The Policy Options Document was issued as part of a process begun in May 2015 to develop legislation to address … [Read more...] about Center Submits Comments to Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group (CCWG)
RNs and CNAs Work Fewer Hours in Nursing Facilities that Serve Predominately Ethnic and Racial Minority Residents
A December 2015 Health Affairs study of freestanding Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) from 2001 thru 2011 found that registered nurses (RNs) were less likely to work at nursing homes with high concentrations of racial and ethnic minorities.[1] This … [Read more...] about RNs and CNAs Work Fewer Hours in Nursing Facilities that Serve Predominately Ethnic and Racial Minority Residents
Remove Barriers to Obtaining Medicare Covered Drugs
Low income racial and ethnic minority beneficiaries are adversely affected by prescription drug pricing, a problem that has a negative impact on overall Medicare program costs. A 2011 International Journal of Health Services study estimates … [Read more...] about Remove Barriers to Obtaining Medicare Covered Drugs
National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16, 2016
Be a Resource for National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16.There are numerous ways to participate at no cost, and the goal is simple: "To inspire, educate & empower the public & providers about the importance of … [Read more...] about National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16, 2016
“Discharge” from a Skilled Nursing Facility: What Does it Mean and What Rights Does a Resident Have?
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often tell Medicare beneficiaries and their families that they intend to “discharge” a Medicare beneficiary because Medicare will not pay for the beneficiary’s stay under either Part A (traditional Medicare) or Part … [Read more...] about “Discharge” from a Skilled Nursing Facility: What Does it Mean and What Rights Does a Resident Have?
CMS Final Rule for Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
Effective February 20, 2016, CMS has created a prior authorization process for certain identified DMEPOS before they can be approved for Medicare payment. Items subject to prior authorization will be identified on a Master List. According to CMS, … [Read more...] about CMS Final Rule for Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)