Beneficiaries who seek Medicare coverage for expanded types and features of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) have reason to be optimistic. Electronic devices that meet the definition of a Speech Generating Device will be coverable. This … [Read more...] about Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
Medicare Part B
Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
CMS Rescinds Restrictive Policy and Will Reconsider Technological Advances CMS announced yesterday that it has begun the process of updating its Medicare coverage policy for Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). A new SGD National Coverage … [Read more...] about Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries
Report prepared by Mario Ramsey, Center for Medicare Advocacy Summer Health Policy Fellow I. Introduction Since the introduction of … [Read more...] about Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries
Medicare and Telemedicine (or Telehealth)
On July 11, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rules for the 2015 calendar year. Among these proposed rules, CMS adds four additions to covered telehealth services: psychoanalysis and … [Read more...] about Medicare and Telemedicine (or Telehealth)
The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
June 26, 2014 Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program was enacted by Congress as a cost and fraud protection measure. From its inception, there have been questions … [Read more...] about The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
Technology can help the most vulnerable among us live with more capabilities than we would have considered possible, even a few short years ago. Rather than encourage technological advances that promote independence and safety, however, the … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
Medicare Physician Payment – Another One-Year Fix Passes Congress, With Usual “Extenders” and Some New, Permanent Payment Policies
On Tuesday, April 1st, President Obama signed into law the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" (H.R. 4302).[1] This bill is a one year short-term "fix" or "patch" to pending Medicare physician payment cuts under … [Read more...] about Medicare Physician Payment – Another One-Year Fix Passes Congress, With Usual “Extenders” and Some New, Permanent Payment Policies
Self-Help Packet for Outpatient Therapy Denials Including “Improvement Standard” Denials
Introduction Checklist for Outpatient Therapy Discharges Checklist for Outpatient Therapy Appeals Quick Screen: Medicare Coverage for Outpatient Therapy Outpatient Therapy Appeal Details Additional Information 1. … [Read more...] about Self-Help Packet for Outpatient Therapy Denials Including “Improvement Standard” Denials
Medicare Therapy Caps: A Call for Repeal
Medicare-covered outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy services are subject to an annual dollar-amount payment cap. As a result, many Medicare beneficiaries have their therapy terminate prematurely when they reach the cap. … [Read more...] about Medicare Therapy Caps: A Call for Repeal
New Report: Expanded Dental Coverage Needed to Confront Health Crisis
As policymakers consider proposals to slash successful community programs including Medicare and Medicaid, older Americans and their families continue to face barriers to necessary health care, including access to dental coverage and services. A new … [Read more...] about New Report: Expanded Dental Coverage Needed to Confront Health Crisis