The Annual Coordinated Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug coverage started November 15, 2010 and goes through December 31, 2010. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries who do not have a Part D plan can enroll in one, … [Read more...] about Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Started November 15, 2010: Time to Review Coverage Options
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2011 Medicare Cost Sharing Details
On November 9, 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) released three notices detailing the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and Deductibles for calendar year 2011. See, 75 Fed. Reg. 68790-68802 (Nov. 9, 2010). Advocates need to … [Read more...] about 2011 Medicare Cost Sharing Details
Two Federal Courts Reject "Improvement Standard" for Denying Medicare Coverage
Within a month of each other, two federal district courts have rejected the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) beleaguered Medicare "Improvement Standard," thereby adding to the chorus of federal judges who have found the standard … [Read more...] about Two Federal Courts Reject "Improvement Standard" for Denying Medicare Coverage
Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
Health care reform does not cut Medicare benefits. In fact, health care reform expands Medicare coverage, by eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services, adding a yearly wellness visit, limiting some cost-sharing in private Medicare plans, and … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
Action Alliance v. Leavitt
No. 06-1607 (D.D.C.), filed September 15, 2006, appeal filed May 21, 2009 (No. 09-5191, D.C.Cir.) Last Update: October 22, 2010 Issue: Whether the Secretary's refusal to inform 230,000 Part D-enrolled beneficiaries, who … [Read more...] about Action Alliance v. Leavitt
Hart v. U.S. Department of Social Services
No. 09-cv-76-CKJ (D. Ariz.), filed February 6, 2009 Last Update: October 22, 2010 Issue: Whether the defendant's failure to respond to a request for documents about the number of attorneys against whom CMS has taken action to recover conditional … [Read more...] about Hart v. U.S. Department of Social Services
UHM v. Humana, Inc.(Amicus Curiae Activity)
No. 06-35672 (9th Cir.), case in progress for several years Updated: October 22, 2009 Issue: Whether the actions and inactions of a Medicare Part D plan, defendant Humana, in failing to enroll, and otherwise provide … [Read more...] about UHM v. Humana, Inc.(Amicus Curiae Activity)
Garcia v. Johnson
No. 09-1747 (E.D.Pa.), filed April 24, 2009 Final Update: October 22, 2010 Issue: Whether the failure of the state and federal defendants to coordinate the exchange of information necessary to ensure that the beneficiaries of the Medicare Savings … [Read more...] about Garcia v. Johnson
CMS Reins in Overpayments to Skilled Nursing Facilities
For many years, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has reported that the Medicare program overpays skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for rehabilitation services and underpays SNFs for certain residents needing specialized services and … [Read more...] about CMS Reins in Overpayments to Skilled Nursing Facilities
Court Emphatically Rejects Beneficiaries’ Right to Sue a Part D Plan When the Plan Delays Enrollment
In a lengthy, detailed, and complex decision, a federal appellate court rejected the right of Part D beneficiaries to sue a plan for damages when the plan fails to enroll them in a timely manner.[1] The decision, which was issued on August 31, 2010, … [Read more...] about Court Emphatically Rejects Beneficiaries’ Right to Sue a Part D Plan When the Plan Delays Enrollment