On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States found a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. See U.S. v. Windsor, Executor of the Estate of Spyer, et al (No. 12–307).[1] In its ruling, the Court … [Read more...] about Demise of DOMA: Implementing Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
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Observation Status: OIG Provides an Analysis and CMS Issues Final Regulations
Joining the discussion about hospitals' extended use of observation status, the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a memorandum report that describes the nationwide use of observation and … [Read more...] about Observation Status: OIG Provides an Analysis and CMS Issues Final Regulations
Observation Status: “Morphed Into Madness”
Although a large and increasing number of Senators and Representatives now support bipartisan legislation to solve the problem of Observation Status, many beneficiaries and their families continue to face this outpatient status as a barrier to … [Read more...] about Observation Status: “Morphed Into Madness”
Letter to Inspector General Regarding Suspension of Antipsychotics Investigation
July 26, 2013Daniel R. Levinson Inspector General Department of Health and Human Services 330 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201Submitted ElectronicallyDear Mr. Levinson:A report today that your office has … [Read more...] about Letter to Inspector General Regarding Suspension of Antipsychotics Investigation
Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Next week, Medicare celebrates its 48thbirthday. Since 1965 Medicare has been a critical source of health and economic security for generations of Americans while evolving to meet the needs of those who rely on the successful program. Medicare … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Created in 1956, the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)[1] provides modest but essential support to 14 million working-age individuals with disabilities and children.[2] Recently, the SSDI program has come under attack by … [Read more...] about Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Fact Sheet – Observation Stays Deny Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare beneficiaries are being denied access to Medicare’s skilled nursing facility (SNF) benefit because acute care hospitals are increasingly classifying their patients as “outpatients” receiving observation services, rather … [Read more...] about Fact Sheet – Observation Stays Deny Medicare Beneficiaries Access to Skilled Nursing Facility Care
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Five years ago this month, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)[1] became law. Since then, MIPPA has successfully increased enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program and helped ensure that thousands of Medicare … [Read more...] about The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Holds First Meeting
On June 27, 2013, the Federal Commission on Long-Term Care held its first meeting in Washington, DC. The bi-partisan commission of 15 appointees, including Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judith Stein, was created by the … [Read more...] about Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Holds First Meeting
Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling
New SSA Rules on Gender DesignationLast week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published new rules that make it easier for the estimated 700,000 transgender Americans to update their Social Security records to reflect their gender … [Read more...] about Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling