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 Advantage
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
Articles Highlight Medicare Advantage Concerns
MA Limitations, Favoritism, and Quality & Access Issues – New York Times A recent article in the New York Times highlights a number of concerns about the Medicare Advantage (MA) program, many of which have been raised by the Center for … [Read more...] about Articles Highlight Medicare Advantage Concerns
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
Medicare Advantage Marketing Matters: Case Study
Mr. G, a retired professional, is a Medicare beneficiary in his 80s with advanced Parkinson’s disease who experienced a bad fall at home. He was hospitalized and then went to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. Mr. G has always had … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Marketing Matters: Case Study
Government Watchdog Agency Once Again Finds Wasteful Medicare Advantage Overpayment
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a report entitled “Billions in Estimated Medicare Advantage Payments From Chart Reviews Raise Concerns”. The report highlights that in the … [Read more...] about Government Watchdog Agency Once Again Finds Wasteful Medicare Advantage Overpayment
Wasting Time Waiting for Prior Authorization – At What Physical and Emotional Cost?
Mr. Sullivan had been experiencing involuntary hand tremors, muscle weakness and cramping, tripping and balance problems, and occasional slurring of his speech. He thought these symptoms were the result of overwork and fatigue. But rather than … [Read more...] about Wasting Time Waiting for Prior Authorization – At What Physical and Emotional Cost?