On June 1, 2020, the Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Interim Final Rule with Comment: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on CMS COVID-19 Rule
Article
Our Commitment to Justice
Black Lives Matter. The Center for Medicare Advocacy mourns for George Floyd and for the named and unnamed people of color who have been murdered or harmed in countless ways in our country. We mourn for our country. We protest. For more than … [Read more...] about Our Commitment to Justice
Final Rule for Medicare Parts C and D Includes Weakened Standards for Medicare Advantage Networks
On May 22, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule regarding Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans (“C & D Rule”). The rule is entitled “Medicare Program; Contract Year … [Read more...] about Final Rule for Medicare Parts C and D Includes Weakened Standards for Medicare Advantage Networks
CMS Announces Voluntary Part D Program to Reduce Insulin Out-of-Pocket Costs for Some Enrollees
In a May 26, 2020 press release, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) “announced that over 1,750 standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage have applied to offer … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Voluntary Part D Program to Reduce Insulin Out-of-Pocket Costs for Some Enrollees
Podcast with Judy Stein: Moving Forward with COVID-19 and Medicare
Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judy Stein joins journalist Mark Miller on retirementrevised.com to discuss what the pandemic is teaching us about ways to improve Medicare. “The crisis has put a bright spotlight on weaknesses in many … [Read more...] about Podcast with Judy Stein: Moving Forward with COVID-19 and Medicare
Government Appeals “Observation Status” Court Decision
On May 22, 2020, the government appealed the district court’s decision in Alexander v. Azar. The Azar court ordered Medicare to allow beneficiaries to appeal when their hospital status is switched from inpatient to “observation status”. The Alexander … [Read more...] about Government Appeals “Observation Status” Court Decision
CMS Rule: Nursing Facilities Must Report Covid-19 Data to CDC, Residents, Families and Representatives
In interim final rules that went into effect May 8, 2020,[1] the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing facilities, at least on a weekly basis, to report electronically to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … [Read more...] about CMS Rule: Nursing Facilities Must Report Covid-19 Data to CDC, Residents, Families and Representatives
CMA Alert | May 21, 2020
State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” … [Read more...] about CMA Alert | May 21, 2020
GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”
In “Infection Control Deficiencies Were Widespread and Persistent in Nursing Homes Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic,”[1] the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that 82% of nursing facilities nationwide were cited with infection control … [Read more...] about GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”
State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual
Even as many states grant immunity from civil liability to nursing facilities for harm and death resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,[1] at least two state Attorneys General have announced that their offices have opened criminal investigations … [Read more...] about State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual