Programs that help low-income people afford their Medicare, including the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy (also called LIS or Extra Help) have income and resource eligibility guidelines that change yearly. The Federal … [Read more...] about 2014 Income and Resource Information for Medicare Low-Income Programs
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
Medicare Prescription Drug Rebate Debate
The Medicare Part D Prescription drug program is forbidden by law from getting the best prices for prescription drugs. Unlike the Veterans Administration and Medicaid, Medicare is at the mercy of drug company pricing, forbidden from seeking … [Read more...] about Medicare Prescription Drug Rebate Debate
The Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period Has Begun!
During the Annual Coordinated Election Period, which runs from October 15th through December 7th, people with Medicare can change their choice of health coverage (whether they receive that coverage through a private Medicare Advantage plan or … [Read more...] about The Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period Has Begun!
Debunking Medicare Myths: Drug Rebates for Dual Eligibles
In the midst of ongoing budget discussions, policymakers are considering a wide array of approaches for cutting spending and saving federal dollars. The Center for Medicare Advocacy recently wrote of ways to strengthen the Medicare program while … [Read more...] about Debunking Medicare Myths: Drug Rebates for Dual Eligibles
Reminder: Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) Ends February 14th
The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) lasts from January 1st through February 14th of each year. During the MADP, a beneficiary can switch from an MA plan to traditional Medicare. The new MADP also provides an opportunity to enroll … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) Ends February 14th
Deficit Reduction and Medicare: Save Money Without Harming Beneficiaries
Although passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has achieved considerable savings for the Medicare program, Medicare is still being targeted by policymakers looking to negotiate a large "grand bargain" deficit-reduction package. Many of … [Read more...] about Deficit Reduction and Medicare: Save Money Without Harming Beneficiaries
Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1] During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013. This … [Read more...] about Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
As a result of the Budget Control Act, which outlined mandatory cuts to both defense and non-defense discretionary programs in the event a Congressional committee could not agree to a deficit-reduction package, programs impacting the HIV community … [Read more...] about Impact of Budget Control Act and Sequestration on Aids Drug Assistance Programs
Increased Funding for AIDS Drugs Assistance Program Responds to Need for Additional HIV/AIDS Services
On July 19, 2012, the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS), Kathleen Sebelius, announced the availability of roughly $80 million dollars in grant money to increase access to HIV/AIDS care, including eliminating waiting lists,[1] which have … [Read more...] about Increased Funding for AIDS Drugs Assistance Program Responds to Need for Additional HIV/AIDS Services
Affordable Care Act in Action: People with Medicare Continue to See Savings
New data released this week shows that families and individuals who rely on Medicare continue to see direct benefits from the Affordable Care Act by saving billions of dollars on prescription drug costs.[1] So far in 2012, older and disabled … [Read more...] about Affordable Care Act in Action: People with Medicare Continue to See Savings