The use of Medicare observation status in hospitals has increased dramatically over the past several years.[1] The most notable adverse consequence of Observation Status on beneficiaries is financial liability for any post-hospitalization care at a … [Read more...] about Submitting Claims to Part D for Prescription Drugs Administered in the Hospital During an Observation Status Stay
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April is Minority Health Month
Each year, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health uses the month of April to raise awareness about persistent racial disparities that exist in access to health care and health outcomes. This year's theme, Prevention … [Read more...] about April is Minority Health Month
Tinkering With Hospice: The Medicare Care Choices Model
Some croon, "Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die." As a general rule, Americans not only don't want to die, we also don't want to talk about death and dying. As a consequence of this reticence, many … [Read more...] about Tinkering With Hospice: The Medicare Care Choices Model
The Myth of Improved Quality in Nursing Home Care: Setting the Record Straight Again
April 17, 2014A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services' Inspector General found that one third-of nursing home residents in a Medicare-nursing home stay suffered an adverse event or other harm in August 2011 and that … [Read more...] about The Myth of Improved Quality in Nursing Home Care: Setting the Record Straight Again
Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
On March 10, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum to Part D Plan Sponsors and Medicare Hospice Providers entitled, "Part D Payment for Drugs for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Hospice – Final 2014 … [Read more...] about Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
Medicare Physician Payment – Another One-Year Fix Passes Congress, With Usual “Extenders” and Some New, Permanent Payment Policies
On Tuesday, April 1st, President Obama signed into law the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" (H.R. 4302).[1] This bill is a one year short-term "fix" or "patch" to pending Medicare physician payment cuts under … [Read more...] about Medicare Physician Payment – Another One-Year Fix Passes Congress, With Usual “Extenders” and Some New, Permanent Payment Policies
Reflections on the 1st Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit and Senator Jay Rockefeller Lecture
On March 21, 2014, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., held its first annual national Voices of Medicare Summit and Sen. Jay Rockefeller Lecture. The event brought together advocates, thought leaders, researchers, policy makers and others for a … [Read more...] about Reflections on the 1st Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit and Senator Jay Rockefeller Lecture
OIG Report: Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities Harmed Nearly One-Third of Medicare Residents in August 2011
In its first analysis of adverse events in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that care is poor and dangerous for many residents. OIG reports that nearly … [Read more...] about OIG Report: Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities Harmed Nearly One-Third of Medicare Residents in August 2011
Center Executive Director Judith Stein Testifies Before House Energy & Commerce Committee about Medicare Advantage Plans
On March 13, 2014, Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director and Founder Judith Stein testified before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health, at a hearing entitled "Keeping the Promise: Allowing Seniors to Keep … [Read more...] about Center Executive Director Judith Stein Testifies Before House Energy & Commerce Committee about Medicare Advantage Plans
Staffing Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities: Rarely Cited, Seldom Sanctioned
Although most nursing facilities nationwide do not have sufficient staff to provide necessary care to their residents, an analysis by the Center for Medicare Advocacy (Center) finds that the federal enforcement system cites very few facilities with … [Read more...] about Staffing Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities: Rarely Cited, Seldom Sanctioned