December 3, 2010For Immediate Release Contact: Judith Stein, (860) 456-7790 jstein@medicareadvocacy.orgVicki Gottlich, (202) 293-5760 vgottlich@medicareadvocacy.orgThis week's report by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Urges Policy-Makers to Rethink Medicare Cuts
Medicare and Health Care Reform
Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
Health care reform does not cut Medicare benefits. In fact, health care reform expands Medicare coverage, by eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services, adding a yearly wellness visit, limiting some cost-sharing in private Medicare plans, and … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform Does Not Cut Medicare Benefits
Health reform is Already Working, More Help Starts Tomorrow
September 22, 2010For Immediate Release Contact: Judith Stein, (860) 456-7790 jstein@medicareadvocacy.orgVicki Gottlich, (202) 293-5760 vgottlich@medicareadvocacy.orgThe Affordable Care Act has already helped millions. For example, over one … [Read more...] about Health reform is Already Working, More Help Starts Tomorrow
Affordable Care Act Expands Medicare Coverage for Prevention and Wellness
The Affordable Care Act[1] (ACA) adds coverage for a new "Wellness Visit" and eliminates cost-sharing for almost all of the preventive services covered by Medicare, effective January 1, 2011. This Alert discusses both provisions. Wellness … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act Expands Medicare Coverage for Prevention and Wellness
Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion
"Observation" is the term used to describe the outpatient status of a patient who is in a hospital, but not as an inpatient. Although the Medicare Manuals limit observation to 24-48 hours, many beneficiaries nationwide are experiencing extended stays … [Read more...] about Extended Observation Stays in Acute Care Hospitals: Criticism, Legislation and Discussion
Medicare's 45th Anniversary: Promise Kept and Promises to Keep
July 30th marks the 45th anniversary of Medicare. When President Johnson signed the Medicare program into law in 1965, he ushered in an era of better health and financial security for older Americans and their families. Medicare did what private … [Read more...] about Medicare's 45th Anniversary: Promise Kept and Promises to Keep
The Right to Visit Partners and Others In Medicare Participating Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently issued new rules for Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals that require written policies protecting patients' rights to choose their visitors during a stay in the … [Read more...] about The Right to Visit Partners and Others In Medicare Participating Hospitals
Health Reform in Action: Donut Hole Rebate Checks Start Arriving June 10, 2010
Medicare beneficiaries who enter the prescription drug coverage gap (known as the "Donut Hole") anytime before the end 2010 should receive a one time $250 rebate check from Medicare. The first checks, for people who hit the Donut Hole … [Read more...] about Health Reform in Action: Donut Hole Rebate Checks Start Arriving June 10, 2010
Don’t “Fix” Medicare Out of Existence
Much of the current talk about the problems of Medicare misses the point. The proposals could end up "fixing" a successful program out of existence. Before supporting any fix, remember: Medicare has been a successMedicare assures the … [Read more...] about Don’t “Fix” Medicare Out of Existence
Myths About Nursing Home Tort Reforms
The following is an executive summary. You can also view the full report here and the appendices here in .pdf form.The Center for Medicare Advocacy performed a study entitled Tort Reform and Nursing Homes that deflates the myths that pervade … [Read more...] about Myths About Nursing Home Tort Reforms