Beneficiaries who seek Medicare coverage for expanded types and features of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) have reason to be optimistic. Electronic devices that meet the definition of a Speech Generating Device will be coverable. This … [Read more...] about Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
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Observation Status Update
Observation Status – hospital patients’ classification as outpatients, which makes them ineligible for Medicare Part A coverage of their subsequent stay in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) when they do not have “inpatient” … [Read more...] about Observation Status Update
Congress Passes “Doc Fix” – Senate Unable to Improve the Bill for Medicare Beneficiaries
On April 14, 2015, the Senate overwhelmingly (92 to 8) passed H.R. 2 – the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) – which repeals and replaces the flawed Medicare physician reimbursement system known as the sustainable growth rate … [Read more...] about Congress Passes “Doc Fix” – Senate Unable to Improve the Bill for Medicare Beneficiaries
14. Medicare Opened Doors to Care – Let’s Not Really Celebrate Until They’re Opened for Everyone
By Frank Miata, Medicare BeneficiaryI wonder if "celebrating" is the appropriate stance to take towards 50 years of avoiding the obvious need for a single payer, national health care system. I am old enough to remember what life was … [Read more...] about 14. Medicare Opened Doors to Care – Let’s Not Really Celebrate Until They’re Opened for Everyone
Medicare Myths vs. Facts – “Doc Fix” Edition
In the spirit of aiding the discussion concerning the budget and the SGR “Doc Fix,” we raise many of the myths surrounding Medicare and answer them with facts.Congress is working to repeal and replace the Sustainable Growth Rate … [Read more...] about Medicare Myths vs. Facts – “Doc Fix” Edition
Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues payment, performance and other rules that apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans that choose to participate in the Medicare program in the following calendar year. … [Read more...] about Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
13. Medicare Increasingly Benefits Private Industry
At the Center for Medicare Advocacy's National Voices of Medicare Summit (March 20, 2015), three Medicare leaders presented their perspectives on Medicare's promise and challenges. All spoke to the value of Medicare for its intended … [Read more...] about 13. Medicare Increasingly Benefits Private Industry
The 2015 National Voices of Medicare Summit
Reflections on the 2nd Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit A Look Back at the Summit from the Attendees' View2015 Program and Speakers Register Now for 2016! Reflections on the 2nd Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit … [Read more...] about The 2015 National Voices of Medicare Summit
12. Medicare Is a Model for All Health Insurance
By Harry Ting, PhD, Health EconomistMedicare is the major driver of innovation in health insurance reimbursement. Early examples were establishing per case rates for hospitals in the form of DRG payments and requiring three day hospital … [Read more...] about 12. Medicare Is a Model for All Health Insurance
Center for Medicare Advocacy Co-Authors Report Published by the Kaiser Family Foundation Comparing Consumer Protections in Major Health Plans
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has published a report entitled “Comparison of Consumer Protections in Three Health Insurance Markets: Medicare Advantage, Qualified Health Plans and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.” The report is … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Co-Authors Report Published by the Kaiser Family Foundation Comparing Consumer Protections in Major Health Plans