OverviewThe 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
Medicare Advantage
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 beneficiariesThe 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
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 TimesA 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