The Medicare Part D Prescription drug program is forbidden by law from getting the best prices for prescription drugs. Unlike the Veterans Administration and Medicaid, Medicare is at the mercy of drug company pricing, forbidden from seeking … [Read more...] about Medicare Prescription Drug Rebate Debate
Medicare and Health Care Reform
Caution: Home Health Episode Payment Caps
Legislation was introduced on October 4th that could lead to a cap on the home health services available to a Medicare beneficiary. In the midst of a government shutdown, Representatives Matheson (D-Utah) and Guthrie (R-Kentucky) introduced the … [Read more...] about Caution: Home Health Episode Payment Caps
Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Next week, Medicare celebrates its 48thbirthday. Since 1965 Medicare has been a critical source of health and economic security for generations of Americans while evolving to meet the needs of those who rely on the successful program. Medicare … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, Medicare!
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Five years ago this month, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)[1] became law. Since then, MIPPA has successfully increased enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program and helped ensure that thousands of Medicare … [Read more...] about The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
New Report: Immigrants and Immigration Reform are Good for Medicare
A new study published in Health Affairs reports that immigrant workers in the United States disproportionately contribute to the Medicare Program and help ensure its financial solvency and strength.[1] The study's authors found that between 2002 … [Read more...] about New Report: Immigrants and Immigration Reform are Good for Medicare
Good News: Trustees Project Longer Medicare Solvency
Today, the Medicare Trustees issued their annual report on Medicare's financial status. According to this year's report, the Part A (Hospital Insurance) Trust Fund has sufficient reserves to fully pay Medicare benefits until 2026 … [Read more...] about Good News: Trustees Project Longer Medicare Solvency
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Joint Testimony to Congress on Medicare Reform Proposals
This week, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on proposals to reform Medicare at which critical issues facing the Medicare program and current and future beneficiaries were discussed. The Center for Medicare Advocacy, … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Joint Testimony to Congress on Medicare Reform Proposals
CMS Addresses Observation Status Again… And Again, No Help for Beneficiaries
As part of the annual update to inpatient hospital reimbursement under the Medicare program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is again considering observation status. This time CMS is proposing "a time-based … [Read more...] about CMS Addresses Observation Status Again… And Again, No Help for Beneficiaries
Debunking Medicare Myths: Drug Rebates for Dual Eligibles
In the midst of ongoing budget discussions, policymakers are considering a wide array of approaches for cutting spending and saving federal dollars. The Center for Medicare Advocacy recently wrote of ways to strengthen the Medicare program while … [Read more...] about Debunking Medicare Myths: Drug Rebates for Dual Eligibles
Medicare’s Future: Letting the Affordable Care Act Work, While Learning From the Past
This article is part of a NAELA Journal symposium edition that focuses on "The Future of Elder Law and Special Needs Planning."This article will provide an overview of the policy debate that led to the creation of the Medicare … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Future: Letting the Affordable Care Act Work, While Learning From the Past