A recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report, Access to Care Issues Among Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB), revealed several access to care problems for low-income Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the QMB program.The … [Read more...] about CMS Report Finds Access to Care Problems for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Savings Programs
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
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
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Five years ago this month, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)[1] became law. Since then, MIPPA has successfully increased enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program and helped ensure that thousands of Medicare … [Read more...] about The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Medicare Cost-Sharing for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
Balance Billing is Prohibited. Period. New Guidance released jointly by the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) and the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO) once again highlights and advises about an issue that has created … [Read more...] about Medicare Cost-Sharing for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released state by state information on numbers of individuals whose Part D low income subsidy (extra help) will end March 31 if they do not respond to SSA’s request for information concerning their … [Read more...] about Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
Medicare General Enrollment Ends March 31st: Opportunity for Some to Access QMB Coverage
The 2011 Medicare Part A and B general enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31, 2011. Medicare Part A enrollment (to purchase Part A – for those who are not entitled to receive it without paying a premium) has become … [Read more...] about Medicare General Enrollment Ends March 31st: Opportunity for Some to Access QMB Coverage
Pennsylvania Lawsuit Increases Access to Medicare for Low-Income Beneficiaries
On Friday, April 23, 2010, Judge Juan R. Sanchez of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania approved the settlement of a lawsuit brought by Pennsylvania low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Narcisa Garcia, et al. … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Lawsuit Increases Access to Medicare for Low-Income Beneficiaries
2011 Poverty Levels Affect Eligibility for Many Federal Programs
Federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines for 2011 were published in the Federal Register January 20, 2011. 76 FR 3637 (January 20, 2011). The guidelines provide the baseline for eligibility levels for many public benefits, including health … [Read more...] about 2011 Poverty Levels Affect Eligibility for Many Federal Programs
Recommendations for a Beneficiary-Centered Office for Dual Eligibles
The Affordable Care Act creates an office within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) whose focus is beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles). [1] Specifically, the Federal Coordinated Health … [Read more...] about Recommendations for a Beneficiary-Centered Office for Dual Eligibles