In final rules setting out Medicare reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 (which starts October 1, 2011), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reduced reimbursement by $3.87 billion, or … [Read more...] about Medicare Reimbursement For Skilled Nursing Facilities Remains High For 2012 Despite Reductions In Overpayments
Medicare and Health Care Reform
Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age Will Actually INCREASE Costs
Policymakers and pundits continue to propose Medicare changes that would have severe repercussions for beneficiaries and their families. These proposals will continue to make news as deficit discussions heat up. Too often, however, … [Read more...] about Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age Will Actually INCREASE Costs
Medicare Facts & Fiction: 3 More Lessons to Combat Medicare Spin
Congress continues to propose Medicare changes that will have severe repercussions for beneficiaries and their families. Policymakers and pundits are feeding the media and the public misinformation about Medicare. The truth is, most people … [Read more...] about Medicare Facts & Fiction: 3 More Lessons to Combat Medicare Spin
Amended Appeal Rules for Employer and Individual Health Plans
On June 24, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), released amendments to a set of interim final rules regarding … [Read more...] about Amended Appeal Rules for Employer and Individual Health Plans
Medicare Facts & Fiction: 3 Quick Lessons to Combat Medicare Spin
Congress continues to propose Medicare changes that will have severe repercussions for beneficiaries and their families. Policymakers and pundits are feeding the media and the public misinformation about Medicare. The truth is, most … [Read more...] about Medicare Facts & Fiction: 3 Quick Lessons to Combat Medicare Spin
What Does the Debt Ceiling Agreement Mean for Medicare?
This week, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Budget Control Act of 2011. The bill raises the nation's debt ceiling and makes debt and deficit reductions in federal spending over the next 10 years.[1] Between now and … [Read more...] about What Does the Debt Ceiling Agreement Mean for Medicare?
New Initiatives to Improve Services for Dual Eligibles
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced several new initiatives focused on improving care for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles).Two initiatives relate to providing fully … [Read more...] about New Initiatives to Improve Services for Dual Eligibles
House Plans Vote to Slash Medicare and Social Security through Balanced Budget Amendment
Next week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a proposal that will directly impact and harm Medicare beneficiaries, Social Security recipients, and others that rely on critical safety net programs. The Goodlatte-Walsh Balanced … [Read more...] about House Plans Vote to Slash Medicare and Social Security through Balanced Budget Amendment
Recommendations for Beneficiary Protections In Models Approved by CMMI
Introduction The Affordable Care Act includes a provision establishing a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations (CMMI) that is authorized to test models to reduce Medicare and Medicaid expenditures while preserving or improving quality for … [Read more...] about Recommendations for Beneficiary Protections In Models Approved by CMMI
Lower-Premium Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans Take Effect in Many States
One year ago on July 1, 2010, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced the availability of new insurance coverage for individuals who were denied insurance because they had a pre-existing condition.[i] These plans, … [Read more...] about Lower-Premium Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans Take Effect in Many States