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 Savings Programs
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
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Advises States About Medicare Savings Program Enrollment
Introduction Long-awaited guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning implementation of various provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Protections Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Pub. L. 110-275, was … [Read more...] about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Advises States About Medicare Savings Program Enrollment
LI NET: More Help for Dually-Eligible People
In 2006 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created the "Point-of-Sale Facilitated Enrollment" (POS) process, administered by WellPoint. The purpose of the POS is to assist people who are dually eligible for Medicare and … [Read more...] about LI NET: More Help for Dually-Eligible People
Medicare Cost-Sharing for Dual Eligibles: Who Pays What for Whom?
Guidance released recently by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sheds new light on an issue that has created hardships for beneficiaries and challenges for advocates trying to help them. The guidance addresses two issues: balance … [Read more...] about Medicare Cost-Sharing for Dual Eligibles: Who Pays What for Whom?