Hospital Deductible: $1,260.00 / Benefit periodHospital Coinsurance:Days 0-60: $0 Days 61-90: $315 / Day Days 91-150: $630/ DaySkilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance:Days 1-20: $0 Days 21-100: $157.50/ DayPart A … [Read more...] about 2015 Medicare Cost Sharing
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
Hospice and Access to Medications Update: CMS Replacement Guidance
Quick SummaryWhen Medicare beneficiaries elect the hospice benefit, they waive Medicare coverage for all care and services related to the terminal illness that are not on the hospice plan of care and provided through the hospice provider. … [Read more...] about Hospice and Access to Medications Update: CMS Replacement Guidance
The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Research suggests that medications that should be covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit are sometimes paid for by Medicare Part D plans. In March, to prevent this from happening, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a … [Read more...] about The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Submitting Claims to Part D for Prescription Drugs Administered in the Hospital During an Observation Status Stay
The use of Medicare observation status in hospitals has increased dramatically over the past several years.[1] The most notable adverse consequence of Observation Status on beneficiaries is financial liability for any post-hospitalization care at a … [Read more...] about Submitting Claims to Part D for Prescription Drugs Administered in the Hospital During an Observation Status Stay
Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
On March 10, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum to Part D Plan Sponsors and Medicare Hospice Providers entitled, "Part D Payment for Drugs for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Hospice – Final 2014 … [Read more...] about Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
2014 Income and Resource Information for Medicare Low-Income Programs
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 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