A Brief Survey of Recent Reports, and a New Special Enrollment Period for 2015Medicare's Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans began on October 15th and runs through December 7th. During the … [Read more...] about Update on MA and Part D Plans
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Administration Plans Major Improvements to Nursing Home Compare
The federal nursing home website, Nursing Home Compare, is about to undergo major changes that should significantly improve the accuracy of information about nursing homes that is provided to the public. The Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care … [Read more...] about Administration Plans Major Improvements to Nursing Home Compare
2015 Medicare Cost Sharing
Hospital Deductible: $1,260.00 / Benefit periodHospital Coinsurance:Days 0-60: $0 Days 61-90: $315 / Day Days 91-150: $630/ DaySkilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance:Days 1-20: $0 Days 21-100: $157.50/ DayPart A … [Read more...] about 2015 Medicare Cost Sharing
Hospice Patients’ Rights Enhanced by New Medicare Rule
Hospice care is specialized, compassionate care for those diagnosed with a limited life expectancy. Good hospice care should enhance quality of life for the patient and should support caregivers. The Medicare Conditions of Participation … [Read more...] about Hospice Patients’ Rights Enhanced by New Medicare Rule
Annual Enrollment for Medicare Advantage & Part D: October 15 – December 7
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. The Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D … [Read more...] about Annual Enrollment for Medicare Advantage & Part D: October 15 – December 7
Impact of ACA on Mid-term Elections; Beneficiary and Family-Centered QIOs; and More
Kaiser Family Foundation Poll: Potential Impact of Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the Mid-term ElectionsOn September 9, 2014, the Kaiser Family Foundation issued its August - September 2014 Health Tracking Poll analyzing the potential impact … [Read more...] about Impact of ACA on Mid-term Elections; Beneficiary and Family-Centered QIOs; and More
Observation Status: Hospitals May Begin Rebilling Medicare Patients Who Were Hospitalized After October 1, 2013
Medicare patients need to be aware that if they were hospitalized after October 1, 2013, hospitals may be contacting them about their bills.Final rules that were published in August 2013 and became effective October 1, 2013 created a new … [Read more...] about Observation Status: Hospitals May Begin Rebilling Medicare Patients Who Were Hospitalized After October 1, 2013
CMA Community News – August 2014
A Message from the Executive DirectorDear Community Members:We have been busy at the Center this summer- even with the lovely long, warm days. Our advocacy has been focusing on enhancing access to health services and medical equipment for … [Read more...] about CMA Community News – August 2014
New Resources to Help LTC Facility Staff Work with LGBT Older Persons and Their Families
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently issued a Survey and Certification Tool, with an introduction by Secretary Greenlee of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the Department of Health and Human … [Read more...] about New Resources to Help LTC Facility Staff Work with LGBT Older Persons and Their Families
Center for Medicare Advocacy Sues to Fix Broken Medicare Appeals System
On August 26, 2014, the Center for Medicare Advocacy filed a nationwide class action lawsuit in United States District Court (Lessler et al. v. Burwell, 3:14-CV-1230, D. Conn.). The five named plaintiffs, from Connecticut, New York and Ohio, have all … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Sues to Fix Broken Medicare Appeals System