Since 1986, the Center for Medicare Advocacy has been a passionate educator and advocate, working to ensure access to Medicare and quality health care. In difficult times, we need your help to be the voice for those people who have nobody to speak … [Read more...] about Take Action
Search Results for: improvement
Litigation
For over three decades, members of the Center's legal staff have been leaders in advancing Medicare coverage and due process rights through class action litigation and administrative advocacy. With our enormous caseload of administrative appeals, the … [Read more...] about Litigation
Info by Topic
Medicare is the national health insurance program to which all Social Security recipients who are either over 65 years of age or permanently disabled are entitled. In addition, individuals receiving railroad retirement benefits and individuals … [Read more...] about Info by Topic
When a Medicare Advantage Plan Does Not Renew Its Contract
In 2010, as in previous years, some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and some prescription drug plans (PDPs) have decided not to renew their contracts with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the coming year.[1] This Alert will … [Read more...] about When a Medicare Advantage Plan Does Not Renew Its Contract
Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
Health care reform does not cut Medicare benefits. In fact, health care reform expands Medicare coverage, by eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services, adding a yearly wellness visit, limiting some cost-sharing in private Medicare plans, and … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
UHM v. Humana, Inc.(Amicus Curiae Activity)
No. 06-35672 (9th Cir.), case in progress for several years Updated: October 22, 2009 Issue: Whether the actions and inactions of a Medicare Part D plan, defendant Humana, in failing to enroll, and otherwise provide … [Read more...] about UHM v. Humana, Inc.(Amicus Curiae Activity)
CMS Reins in Overpayments to Skilled Nursing Facilities
For many years, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has reported that the Medicare program overpays skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for rehabilitation services and underpays SNFs for certain residents needing specialized services and … [Read more...] about CMS Reins in Overpayments to Skilled Nursing Facilities
CMA REPORT: MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OFF-LABEL DRUG USE
September, 2010 While the Medicare prescription drug benefit provides assistance for many people with their drug costs, the requirements for coverage of the off-label use of a drug are onerous and often result in beneficiaries not being able to … [Read more...] about CMA REPORT: MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OFF-LABEL DRUG USE
Private Medicare Plans Do Not Offer Better Health Outcomes
For more than a year, the Center for Medicare Advocacy has been outspoken about the overpayments made to the private insurance plans in the subsection of the Medicare program called "Medicare Advantage." [1]During this same time period, the … [Read more...] about Private Medicare Plans Do Not Offer Better Health Outcomes
Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion
"Observation" is the term used to describe the outpatient status of a patient who is in a hospital, but not as an inpatient. Although the Medicare Manuals limit observation to 24-48 hours, many beneficiaries nationwide are experiencing extended stays … [Read more...] about Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion