On November 29, 2011, CMS announced its decision to include coverage for obesity screening and counseling services for Medicare beneficiaries.[1] This new coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is another tool aimed at emphasizing prevention and … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Covers Obesity Prevention with No Cost-Sharing
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Payroll Tax Extension Includes Important Provisions for Medicare Beneficiaries
The payroll tax extension that finally became law on December 23, 2011 includes many provisions that will help Medicare beneficiaries and lower income families (Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011, H.R. 3765; no public law number … [Read more...] about Payroll Tax Extension Includes Important Provisions for Medicare Beneficiaries
Special Focus Facility Study: Nursing Facilities’ Self-Regulation Cannot Replace Independent Surveys
Each month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identifies nursing facilities that are among the facilities providing the poorest care to their residents, as determined by federal deficiencies cited in the prior three … [Read more...] about Special Focus Facility Study: Nursing Facilities’ Self-Regulation Cannot Replace Independent Surveys
December 12, 2011 – What if You Missed the Annual Enrollment Period?
NATIONAL MEDICARE ADVOCATES ALLIANCE CALL Monday, December 12, 2011– 2:00 P.M., Eastern Time Call-in Number: 1(888)206-2266 Pass Code: 1050263# NOTE: We ask people calling from the same location to gather around one telephone. … [Read more...] about December 12, 2011 – What if You Missed the Annual Enrollment Period?
Medigap Rates
Connecticut as of 11/15/2011: http://www.ct.gov/cid/lib/cid/Medicare_Supplement_Insurance_Rates.pdf Find policies in your area at: http://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/medigap-home.aspx … [Read more...] about Medigap Rates
Fall Updates! Enrollment; Antipsychotic Drugs in SNFs; DME
Center Attorney Toby Edelman Testifies at Senate Aging Hearing About Overuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Facilities Medicare Enrollment Period Ends December 7, 2011 January 2012 Brings Round 2 of CMS' Competitive Bidding … [Read more...] about Fall Updates! Enrollment; Antipsychotic Drugs in SNFs; DME
Toby Edelman Testifies Before Senate Special Committee Regarding Antipsychotics In Nursing Homes
UNITED STATES SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING OVERPRESCRIBED: THE HUMAN AND TAXPAYERS' COSTS OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN NURSING HOMES November 30, 2011 Testimony of Toby S. Edelman Senior Policy Attorney Center for Medicare Advocacy The … [Read more...] about Toby Edelman Testifies Before Senate Special Committee Regarding Antipsychotics In Nursing Homes
Forcing Dual Eligibles Into Private Health Plans is No Quick Fix
The nearly nine million Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for some form of Medicaid, the so-called dual eligibles, are the subject of federal, state and local policy discussions because many of them are among the highest users of health … [Read more...] about Forcing Dual Eligibles Into Private Health Plans is No Quick Fix
Supercommittee Update
With six days left until their November 23rd deadline, the Supercommittee has yet to reach a deal that meets its target of achieving $1.2 trillion in federal savings. Republicans on the panel tasked with reducing the deficit have indicated their … [Read more...] about Supercommittee Update
Health Care Reform Update: Where Are We, and What’s Up for 2012?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in March 2010, has been implemented steadily over the past two years.[1] Implementation of various provisions will continue next year and in 2013, with the core of the ACA – expanded health insurance coverage … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform Update: Where Are We, and What’s Up for 2012?