The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 became law on February 9, 2018. The Act repealed the Medicare outpatient therapy caps, which functioned as a barrier to care for those receiving outpatient therapy services. Section 50202 of the Act, “Repeal of … [Read more...] about Congress DID Repeal Outpatient Therapy Caps Despite Lack of Information on Medicare.gov
Medicare Part B
Congress Repeals Medicare Outpatient Therapy Caps, Strengthening the Jimmo Settlement Agreement
On February 9, 2018, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was signed into law by the President. The budget act includes a “health extenders” package that, among other changes, permanently repeals annual Medicare payment limits (or caps) on … [Read more...] about Congress Repeals Medicare Outpatient Therapy Caps, Strengthening the Jimmo Settlement Agreement
Outpatient Therapy Caps: What Now?
Since the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, outpatient therapy under Medicare Part B has been subject to dollar limits, or caps.[1] During most of these 20 years, an “exceptions” process has allowed beneficiaries and providers to seek … [Read more...] about Outpatient Therapy Caps: What Now?
Minimal Social Security COLA Increase Will Likely Lead to Dramatic Part B Premium Increases for Some, Large Deductible Increase for All, Unless Congress Intervenes
On October 18, 2016, the Social Security Administration announced that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase by only 0.3% in 2017. Although Medicare premiums won’t be announced until later this Fall, as a result of … [Read more...] about Minimal Social Security COLA Increase Will Likely Lead to Dramatic Part B Premium Increases for Some, Large Deductible Increase for All, Unless Congress Intervenes
CMS Proposes Changes in How It Pays for Part B Drugs
Medicare Part B covers drugs that are usually not self-administered, such as many intravenous medications and chemotherapy drugs. Medicare Part D, on the other hand, generally covers self-administered outpatient prescription drugs. On … [Read more...] about CMS Proposes Changes in How It Pays for Part B Drugs
Time for Medicare to Cover Audiology Care
Since its implementation in 1965, Medicare has excluded coverage for hearing aids and related audiology services despite the large numbers of older Americans that have hearing loss. It is increasingly well-documented, however, that untreated hearing … [Read more...] about Time for Medicare to Cover Audiology Care
House Passes Budget Agreement That Would Reduce Dramatic Rise in Part B Costs for Beneficiaries – Bill Moves to Senate; Advocates Remain Concerned About Underlying Causes
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Broadly speaking, this agreement avoids a pending government default by raising the nation’s debt ceiling, and prevents relief from budgetary … [Read more...] about House Passes Budget Agreement That Would Reduce Dramatic Rise in Part B Costs for Beneficiaries – Bill Moves to Senate; Advocates Remain Concerned About Underlying Causes
Solution to Medicare Part B Cost Increases? Look at “Outpatient” Observation Status
If Congress and the Administration truly seek ways to limit Medicare premiums and deductibles, they ought to look at CMS's hospital Observation Status policy.A major cause of the Part B increase is likely the parallel increase in … [Read more...] about Solution to Medicare Part B Cost Increases? Look at “Outpatient” Observation Status
Part B and the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Today the Social Security Administration announced that, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation numbers released today, there will be no Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2016. The announcement makes official the assumption underlying the … [Read more...] about Part B and the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Advocacy Organizations Support Legislation to Mitigate Huge Part B Premium/Deductible Increases
The Chair of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), Max Richtman, sent a letter to Senators today urging support of the “Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015” S. 2148. This legislation would keep the 2016 premiums … [Read more...] about Advocacy Organizations Support Legislation to Mitigate Huge Part B Premium/Deductible Increases