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
Medicare Part D / Prescription Drugs
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
New Medicare Part D Pharmacy Notice Rule In Effect; Stay Tuned for Final Model Notice
Effective January 1, 2012, Medicare Part D plan enrollees who are unable to obtain a prescription drug at the pharmacy are now, in most instances, entitled to a written notice explaining how they can contact their Part D plan in order to initiate an … [Read more...] about New Medicare Part D Pharmacy Notice Rule In Effect; Stay Tuned for Final Model Notice
2012 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
On October 27, 2011 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) released notices detailing the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and Deductibles for calendar year 2012.Hospital Deductible:$1,156 per spell of illnessHospital … [Read more...] about 2012 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Once again the Medicare Advantage and Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) is upon us; it's time to contemplate Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage choices for another calendar year. The big news is that the ACEP, … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, … [Read more...] about Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
On April 15, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final regulations to provide policy and technical changes to the Medicare Parts C (Medicare Advantage) and D programs.[1] The regulations address concerns raised … [Read more...] about New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans