People who began 2021 enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan have an additional opportunity to switch MA plans or disenroll from an MA plan and enroll in traditional Medicare with a Part D plan during the first 3 months of the calendar year, … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage
Policy-Makers Should Review Overpayments to Medicare Advantage when Considering Medicare Fiscal Solvency
In the past, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) annual release of proposed Medicare Advantage (MA) payment rates triggered a yearly ritual on Capitol Hill – the insurance industry rounded up support from lawmakers, getting … [Read more...] about Policy-Makers Should Review Overpayments to Medicare Advantage when Considering Medicare Fiscal Solvency
Medicare and the Dilemma of “Choice”
On March 1, 2021, the New York Times published a column by Paul Krugman titled “Too Much Choice is Hurting America”. Mr. Krugman discusses how “Economics 101 and conservative ideology say that more choice is always a good thing.” He … [Read more...] about Medicare and the Dilemma of “Choice”
Final 2022 Rule for Medicare Parts C and D Released By Trump Administration
I. Overview On February 18, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule entitled “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2021 and 2022 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, … [Read more...] about Final 2022 Rule for Medicare Parts C and D Released By Trump Administration
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Season Enters Final Weeks: Few People Compare Options, and the Means of Comparison are Often Flawed
Overview The Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period (AEP) – the period during which individuals with Medicare can make coverage choices for the coming year – lasts until December 7th. During this time, people can enroll in, switch, or … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Season Enters Final Weeks: Few People Compare Options, and the Means of Comparison are Often Flawed
MA Plans Allowed to Report Less Data about Appeals Outcomes
CMS rolls back beneficiary protection in the name of reducing “MA plan burden” and making things “easy to read” for eligible beneficiaries The most urgent and frequent type of call we receive at the Center for Medicare Advocacy is from a Medicare … [Read more...] about MA Plans Allowed to Report Less Data about Appeals Outcomes
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
Case Study: Medicare Advantage and Repeated Coverage Denials Amid the COVID Crisis
Mr. A, is a retired professor from a state university. He was auto-enrolled in his state’s retiree Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The plan prospectus states that it covers an unlimited number of days in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). An … [Read more...] about Case Study: Medicare Advantage and Repeated Coverage Denials Amid the COVID Crisis
Medicare Trustees Report: Projections Similar to Last Year, and Savings Are Available
On April 22, 2020, the Medicare and Social Security Trustees released their 2020 annual report, which offers projections concerning the fiscal health of the Medicare and Social Security programs. The Medicare Trustees estimate that the Part A Trust … [Read more...] about Medicare Trustees Report: Projections Similar to Last Year, and Savings Are Available
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Medicare Parts C and D Rule
On February 18, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule entitled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2021 and 2022 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Medicare Parts C and D Rule