In an Opinion and Order released on August 18, 2016, Chief Judge Christina Reiss, the judge in Jimmo v. Burwell – the “Improvement Standard case” – ordered the federal government, through its Centers for Medicare … [Read more...] about Jimmo v. Sebelius Return to Court: Judge Orders Medicare Agency to Provide More Education per Settlement in “Improvement Standard” Case
Weekly Alert
CMA Organizes Sign-On Letter Concerning CMS Request for Information Regarding Dually-Eligible Beneficiaries’ Access to DME
On Friday August 19, 2016, the Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments in response to a June 30 request from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for information regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) access issues faced … [Read more...] about CMA Organizes Sign-On Letter Concerning CMS Request for Information Regarding Dually-Eligible Beneficiaries’ Access to DME
CMS Increases Mandatory Enforcement to Protect Nursing Home Residents
Under the federal Nursing Home Reform Law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has authority and the “responsibility”[1] to impose Civil Money Penalties (CMPs) and other enforcement actions at nursing homes that are … [Read more...] about CMS Increases Mandatory Enforcement to Protect Nursing Home Residents
Court Allows Medicare “Rubber Stamp” Case to Go Forward and Certifies Nationwide Class
On August 8, a federal judge in Connecticut largely denied the government’s motion to dismiss and granted plaintiff’s motion for certification of a nationwide class. Sherman v. Burwell, No. 3:15-cv-1468 (JAM) (D. Conn.). The … [Read more...] about Court Allows Medicare “Rubber Stamp” Case to Go Forward and Certifies Nationwide Class
Center for Medicare Advocacy Presents at National SHIP and SMP Conference about Medicare for Beneficiaries Under 65
The Center for Medicare Advocacy was pleased to attend, exhibit and present at this year's national SHIP and SMP conference. Pursuant to a Target Population Grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Center is working to … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Presents at National SHIP and SMP Conference about Medicare for Beneficiaries Under 65
Issue Brief Examines Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Justice in Aging, one of the Center's longtime partners, recently released an issue brief, Oral Health in California: What About Older Adults? The Issue Brief includes a summary of the state of oral health for older adults in California. … [Read more...] about Issue Brief Examines Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Observation Status Hurts Medicare Beneficiaries – Whether they have NOTICE or Not
An August 7, 2016 New York Times article once again highlighted the problem of hospital Observation Status, including issues with the NOTICE Act, which is supposed to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their status. The … [Read more...] about Observation Status Hurts Medicare Beneficiaries – Whether they have NOTICE or Not
CMS Delays Implementation of NOTICE Act Until Fall 2016
Beginning August 6, 2016, the Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act (NOTICE Act)[1] requires hospitals to provide written and oral notice, within 36 hours, to patients who are in observation or other outpatient … [Read more...] about CMS Delays Implementation of NOTICE Act Until Fall 2016
Exley v. Burwell: Settlement In Medicare Appeals Delay Case Granted Final Approval
On August 1, 2016, Judge Jeffrey Meyer of U.S. District Court in Connecticut granted final approval to a settlement agreement that will ensure timely decisions for Medicare beneficiaries who appeal denials of coverage to Administrative Law Judges … [Read more...] about Exley v. Burwell: Settlement In Medicare Appeals Delay Case Granted Final Approval
New CMS Research Looks at Health Disparities Impacting Older LGBT People
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released research drawn from the 2013-14 National Health Interview Survey highlighting health disparities between LGBT and other older people (age 65 or older). The National Health … [Read more...] about New CMS Research Looks at Health Disparities Impacting Older LGBT People