Over two years after becoming law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to improve health care and lower costs for millions of Americans, including those who rely on Medicare. The recent election was key to the future of the landmark legislation, … [Read more...] about The Affordable Care Act Moves Forward: What’s Up for 2013
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Medicare and ACA Facts and Updates; Jimmo Update
Medicare: Just the Facts! Misinformation about Medicare and the Affordable Care Act is widespread and increasing as the election nears. Below, we try to dispel misinformation and base discussions on a factual foundation. Spread the word. … [Read more...] about Medicare and ACA Facts and Updates; Jimmo Update
Settlement Reached to End Medicare’s “Improvement Standard”
Attorneys from the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Vermont Legal Aid and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have agreed to settle the "Improvement Standard" case, Jimmo v. Sebelius.[1] A proposed settlement agreement[2] … [Read more...] about Settlement Reached to End Medicare’s “Improvement Standard”
Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1] During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013. This … [Read more...] about Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
CMA in Action: Judith Stein Testifies in Congress on the Ryan Plan to End Medicare
DEMOCRATIC HOUSE STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE FORUM SAVING MEDICARE FOR TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE October 2, 2012 _____________________ Leader Pelosi and members of the Committee, thank you for holding this important Forum and for honoring me with … [Read more...] about CMA in Action: Judith Stein Testifies in Congress on the Ryan Plan to End Medicare
New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
On April 6, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Transmittal 17, which revises and creates new procedures for the review of quality of care concerns[1] by Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs).[2] Effective May 7, … [Read more...] about New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
As a result of the Budget Control Act, which outlined mandatory cuts to both defense and non-defense discretionary programs in the event a Congressional committee could not agree to a deficit-reduction package, programs impacting the HIV community … [Read more...] about Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
Making Sense of Medicare’s Preventive Service Benefits
September 20, 2012 With the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA1997), Congress began an expansion of preventive benefits and services available through Medicare.[1] The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) added additional preventive … [Read more...] about Making Sense of Medicare’s Preventive Service Benefits
Improving LGBT Health: The 2012 Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Annual LGBT Report
This Alert highlights elements of the 2012 annual report of the Coordinating Committee of HHS on improving the health and well being of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.[1] This Alert also highlights work … [Read more...] about Improving LGBT Health: The 2012 Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Annual LGBT Report
Medicaid, Long Term Care and the Ryan Budget
As reported in the New York Times on Friday September 7, 2012, Center Attorney Toby Edelman writes to explain the importance of Medicaid to long-term care recipients, and how the Ryan Budget, which purports not to affect current Medicare … [Read more...] about Medicaid, Long Term Care and the Ryan Budget