Center for Medicare Advocacy

Advancing Access to Medicare and Healthcare

Medicare Advantage

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

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

Reminder: Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period Ends this Month; Ongoing Opportunity for Special Enrollment Period

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) Effective 2019, for the first 3 months of the calendar year there is a continuous open enrollment and disenrollment period relating to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans called the Medicare Advantage … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period Ends this Month; Ongoing Opportunity for Special Enrollment Period

The Myth of “Choice” in Private Insurance, Including Medicare Advantage

Policy makers often promote the concept of “choice” as a key pillar of health care and insurance, including within the Medicare program. The importance and availability of “choice” becomes less clear, however, the closer one examines what choice … [Read more...] about The Myth of “Choice” in Private Insurance, Including Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Continues to Drive Up Medicare Costs – Congress Must Act to Level the Playing Field with Traditional Medicare

The Center for Medicare Advocacy has long advocated for leveling the playing field between Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare. Over the last several years, however, legislative and regulatory policy changes have continued to tip the … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Continues to Drive Up Medicare Costs – Congress Must Act to Level the Playing Field with Traditional Medicare