In November, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report entitled, "Improvements are Needed at the Administrative Law Judge Level of Medicare Appeals." The report can be found at … [Read more...] about Special Report – Independence of Medicare Administrative Law Judges Threatened by Office of Inspector General’s Recommendations
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Annual Medicare Payment Limits for Home Health – Even Worse Than Co-Pays for Beneficiaries
The Center for Medicare Advocacy has represented Medicare beneficiaries since 1986. As one of the few advocacy organizations in the nation solely serving Medicare beneficiaries, we strongly oppose home health episodic payment caps or any other such … [Read more...] about Annual Medicare Payment Limits for Home Health – Even Worse Than Co-Pays for Beneficiaries
Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age: A Costly and Dangerous Proposal
Despite Medicare's remarkable success as a health and economic lifeline for American families, proposals to dramatically alter the program have resurfaced in the context of deficit reduction. While not a new idea, proponents of increasing … [Read more...] about Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age: A Costly and Dangerous Proposal
The Improvement Standard: Real Stories
In October 2012, the Center for Medicare Advocacy announced the settlement of the “Improvement Standard” class action lawsuit, Jimmo vs. Sebelius. For more than thirty years, the wrongful interpretation of the Medicare statue led to the … [Read more...] about The Improvement Standard: Real Stories
Déjà Vu All Over Again: CMS Decides (Again) Not to Decide About Observation Status
On July 30, 2012, as part of proposed rulemaking on the outpatient prospective payment system, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) asked for public comment on potential policy options related to "observation … [Read more...] about Déjà Vu All Over Again: CMS Decides (Again) Not to Decide About Observation Status
Deficit Reduction and Medicare: Save Money Without Harming Beneficiaries
Although passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has achieved considerable savings for the Medicare program, Medicare is still being targeted by policymakers looking to negotiate a large "grand bargain" deficit-reduction package. Many of … [Read more...] about Deficit Reduction and Medicare: Save Money Without Harming Beneficiaries
The Affordable Care Act Moves Forward: What’s Up for 2013
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
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