The role of private managed care in Medicare and Medicaid has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has written widely on the dangers of turning these successful community health care programs over to … [Read more...] about Privatization: Not Right for Medicaid, Not Right for Medicare
Medicare and Health Care Reform
Medicare Paid $5.1 Billion to SNFs that Did Not Provide Care-Planning and Discharge-Planning (February 2013 OIG Report)
In its most recent report on nursing home payments and quality, February 2013, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) failed to provide adequate care … [Read more...] about Medicare Paid $5.1 Billion to SNFs that Did Not Provide Care-Planning and Discharge-Planning (February 2013 OIG Report)
The Impact of the President’s Budget on People Who Depend on Medicare and Social Security
Yesterday, President Obama unveiled his Fiscal Year 2014 Budget.[1] It contains significant changes to the Medicare program – including some that would strengthen the program's fiscal stability, and some that would weaken the … [Read more...] about The Impact of the President’s Budget on People Who Depend on Medicare and Social Security
Medicare Benefit Redesign: Proposals to Restructure Could Hurt More than Help
The Medicare program can be confusing for those trying to navigate the differences between Parts A, B, C, and D. Since the program's inception in 1965, changes made to the program have made it a more complex system for beneficiaries, … [Read more...] about Medicare Benefit Redesign: Proposals to Restructure Could Hurt More than Help
Happy Anniversary, Affordable Care Act
Since the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010,[1] it has increased access to needed health services, reduced costs and improved care for millions. Yet, as this progress continues and the law's most impactful … [Read more...] about Happy Anniversary, Affordable Care Act
Medicare Advantage “Cuts?” Don’t Believe it.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is beginning to rein in Medicare Advantage (MA) overpayments by bringing MA payment more in line with what traditional Medicare spends on a given beneficiary. The insurance industry is not only fighting this … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage “Cuts?” Don’t Believe it.
Medicare and Mental Health
In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut policymakers, the media, and advocates across the country have turned their attention to the state of mental health care in the United States. In addition to societal stigma, people with mental … [Read more...] about Medicare and Mental Health
Protect Medicare: Reject Paul Ryan’s Budget Proposal
Statement of Judith Stein, Executive Director, Center for Medicare AdvocacyNothing new. Paul Ryan’s “new” budget proposal recycles ideas that will harm older people, people with disabilities, families and Medicare. It is a plan … [Read more...] about Protect Medicare: Reject Paul Ryan’s Budget Proposal
Honor Women’s History Month: Preserve a Strong Medicare Program
March is Women's History Month, honoring generations of women who have made, and are making, invaluable contributions to society. The Medicare program has been a critical lifeline for American women and their families for decades, contributing to … [Read more...] about Honor Women’s History Month: Preserve a Strong Medicare Program
Center for Medicare Advocacy Testifies on Medicare Redesign
In testimony submitted today to the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means, California Health Advocates, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. and the Medicare Rights Center urged lawmakers to reject Medicare redesign proposals that burden older … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Testifies on Medicare Redesign