If you are eligible for Medicare you can chose between getting Medicare benefits through traditional Medicare (also known as original Medicare and traditional Medicare) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Making this choice is personal and requires … [Read more...] about Choosing Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage
Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1] During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013. This … [Read more...] about Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
Rewarding Mediocrity: GAO Report Concerning Medicare Advantage “Bonus” Payments
On April 23, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that concludes, among other things, that a Medicare demonstration program providing bonus payments to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans mainly benefits plans whose … [Read more...] about Rewarding Mediocrity: GAO Report Concerning Medicare Advantage “Bonus” Payments
Forcing Dual Eligibles Into Private Health Plans is No Quick Fix
The nearly nine million Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for some form of Medicaid, the so-called dual eligibles, are the subject of federal, state and local policy discussions because many of them are among the highest users of health … [Read more...] about Forcing Dual Eligibles Into Private Health Plans is No Quick Fix
Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Once again the Medicare Advantage and Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) is upon us; it's time to contemplate Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage choices for another calendar year. The big news is that the ACEP, … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, … [Read more...] about Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
On April 15, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final regulations to provide policy and technical changes to the Medicare Parts C (Medicare Advantage) and D programs.[1] The regulations address concerns raised … [Read more...] about New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
45 Day Disenrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Members
Starting this year, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) has been replaced by a new Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), which lasts from January 1st through February 14th.[1] During the MADP, one can switch from an MA plan … [Read more...] about 45 Day Disenrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Members