Speaker Paul Ryan is already in the news saying that because of “Obamacare” Medicare is “going broke” (Fox News, 11/13/2016). As a consequence, he says, he intends to bring back his plan to privatize Medicare and change it … [Read more...] about Truth: Obamacare Helps Medicare
Weekly Alert
Nursing Home “Advancing Excellence” Quality Program Ends after a Decade
Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes, a voluntary program promoted as an effort to improve quality of care in nursing homes, has ended after a decade. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will continue the … [Read more...] about Nursing Home “Advancing Excellence” Quality Program Ends after a Decade
2017 Medicare Cost Sharing
Part A Monthly Premium (For those not automatically enrolled)0-29 qualifying quarters of employment: $413.00 30-39 quarters: $227.00Inpatient HospitalDeductible, Per Spell of Illness: $1316.00 Co-pay, Days 1 – … [Read more...] about 2017 Medicare Cost Sharing
Moving Forward with Hope
It’s no surprise that the election has left many of us worried and disoriented. But we’ll regroup.We may not understand where we’ve landed, but we’ll acclimate and march forward – with hope.We hope the new administration will realize how … [Read more...] about Moving Forward with Hope
What Would Work Better for You? Deciding Between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
In last week’s Alert, we posed 10 questions to ask before deciding between traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. This week we discuss what your answers may mean.Do you qualify for payment assistance or have access to other … [Read more...] about What Would Work Better for You? Deciding Between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Observation Status Impedes Access to End-of-Life Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Mr. P. has been hospitalized after having a heart attack. He also has terminal cancer for which he wants to continue treatment. If Mr. P. is admitted as an inpatient for a total of three days while in the hospital, he can qualify for Medicare Part A … [Read more...] about Observation Status Impedes Access to End-of-Life Skilled Nursing Facility Care
10 Questions to Ask Before Deciding Between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Do you qualify for payment assistance or have access to other coverage through any of the following... : Medicare Savings Program? Part D Low Income Subsidy? Employer/Military/Other Insurance? Medigap Plan? Which … [Read more...] about 10 Questions to Ask Before Deciding Between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
CMS Rescinds Erroneous Medicare Nursing Home Policy
The Center for Medicare Advocacy is grateful to CMS for responding to concerns we and others raised regarding changes to the skilled nursing facility (SNF) coverage standards in the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. The policy changes, issued this … [Read more...] about CMS Rescinds Erroneous Medicare Nursing Home Policy
CMS Suspends New Applications for MA “Seamless Conversion” Enrollment
In a June 2016 Weekly Alert the Center wrote about a process called “seamless conversion enrollment” used by some insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to capture enrollment among their pre-Medicare plan … [Read more...] about CMS Suspends New Applications for MA “Seamless Conversion” Enrollment
Barriers to Medigap Coverage for Beneficiaries Under Age 65
Medicare is commonly known for providing health insurance for older people; however, a significant portion of the program’s beneficiaries are under age 65.[1] Individuals with permanent disabilities and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) qualify … [Read more...] about Barriers to Medigap Coverage for Beneficiaries Under Age 65