Introduction Long-awaited guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning implementation of various provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Protections Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Pub. L. 110-275, was … [Read more...] about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Advises States About Medicare Savings Program Enrollment
Search Results for: maintenance
How the 'Improvement Standard' Improperly Denies Coverage to Medicare Patients with Chronic Conditions – text of article printed in Clearinghouse Review, Vol. 43, No. 9-10, Jan-Feb. 2010
By Gill Deford, Margaret Murphy, and Judith Stein Diagnosed three years earlier with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ("ALS," or otherwise known as "Lou Gehrig’s Disease"), 68-year-old Eileen Prendergast was suddenly informed by her home health agency … [Read more...] about How the 'Improvement Standard' Improperly Denies Coverage to Medicare Patients with Chronic Conditions – text of article printed in Clearinghouse Review, Vol. 43, No. 9-10, Jan-Feb. 2010
Medicare for People with Chronic Conditions
People with chronic conditions and long-term illnesses are too often denied Medicare coverage on the grounds that they will not improve, need "maintenance services only," have "plateaued" or are "chronic and stable". Taken together, these reasons … [Read more...] about Medicare for People with Chronic Conditions
The "Improvement Standard" is a Barrier to Necessary Care
Mrs. P, 68 years old, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) five years ago. She now needs a wheelchair, cannot stand on her own, needs assistance to move from bed to wheelchair, and is losing … [Read more...] about The "Improvement Standard" is a Barrier to Necessary Care
Older Americans Act Provides Assistance for Supportive Services
Introduction Advocates assisting Medicare beneficiaries, including those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, should review the supportive services available under the Older Americans Act (OAA) for individuals in their homes or … [Read more...] about Older Americans Act Provides Assistance for Supportive Services
Medicare Cost-Sharing for Dual Eligibles: Who Pays What for Whom?
Guidance released recently by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sheds new light on an issue that has created hardships for beneficiaries and challenges for advocates trying to help them. The guidance addresses two issues: balance … [Read more...] about Medicare Cost-Sharing for Dual Eligibles: Who Pays What for Whom?
Illegal “Improvement Standard” for SNF Coverage Terminated
Over the years, contractors that review Medicare claims have denied coverage for Medicare services inappropriately on the grounds that the beneficiary's condition will not improve. The Center for Medicare Advocacy, through individual appeals and … [Read more...] about Illegal “Improvement Standard” for SNF Coverage Terminated